Everyday Heroes
By frhayes | October 23, 2008
This video shows the men and women of the Long Beach Fire Department in action, with pictures detailing specific incidents, and giving statistics on run loads of some of the busiest units over the course of 2007.
Topics: Video | 28 Comments »
Dive Operation for Missing Fisherman near Queens Gate
By frhayes | October 20, 2008
On Sunday, October 19, 2008 shortly after 11:30 A.M., the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Marine Division and the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) responded to the “Thumbs Dock”, on Pier J for a possible drowning/man over board, just East of the breakwater, near “Queens Gate”.
On scene units were told that 2 individuals on a personal boat were fishing, when one of the men fell into the water. The other person on the boat was able to give an exact location where the man went into the water, markers were put in the water by the marine division, and the search began.
A Dive Team was requested with approximately 14 divers (consisting of LBFD, LBPD, LB Lifeguards, & LA City Fire Department members). They searched an area about 75 feet beyond the breakwater until sunset, with no recovery. At approximately 1300 hours the incident transitioned from a rescue operation to a body recovery.
LBFD resources consisted of BC1, BC2, Fireboat 15 & 20, RB 1, 2, 3, Engine & USAR 6. Other agencies involved included LBPD, LACO lifeguards, LA City Fire Boats, as well as a Coast Guard Helicopter.
There were no injuries to any personnel or rescuers.
This incident occurred in Council District #2.
There were 5 telephone interviews given to regional and local media outlets concerning this event.
Update: on Monday, October 20, 2008 at approximately 9:20 A.M. the Dive Team recovered the body of the missing fisherman near Queens Gate.
Topics: Incidents, Uncategorized | 35 Comments »
Badge Ceremony at LBFD Dispatch Center
By frhayes | October 16, 2008
On Tuesday, October 14, 2008 there was a badge ceremony and service pin award presented at the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) dispatch center. Congratulations to Kat Kacoullas for passing probation and receiving her badge, and to Tiffany Pennock for receiving her 10-year pin. The pictures show Kat and Tiffany with Deputy Chief Patalano, and dispatch supervisor John Landstrom.
Topics: Events, News | 17 Comments »
Long Beach Firefighters Deployed to Assist with Local Brush Fires
By frhayes | October 14, 2008
LONG BEACH – The Long Beach Fire Department
has sent six fire engines, 24 firefighters and a battalion chief to help battle the Sesnon fire near Porter Ranch, just north of Chatsworth.
Long Beach fire department spokesman Josh Johnson said a strike team of five engines and one additional engine were sent at about noon today.
The brush fire tore through about 2,000 acres near oil fields today ( October 13th) on Oat Mountain north of the Porter Ranch area, prompting evacuations as flames marched toward residential neighborhoods.
Three water-dropping helicopters were helping to battle the flames, and ground crews were positioning themselves between the flames and homes.
Officials said the fire was originally reported in the oil fields on the mountain, which is home to radio and broadcast towers.
kelly.puente@presstelegram.com, (562) 499-1305. City News Services contributed to this report.
Updates from the Strike team as of Tuesday, October 14th, at 7:00 A.M. is that they are protecting structures on the ridge above Wolsey Canyon. The fire is currently two ridges away, but the wind is “screaming” with the potential of spreading very quickly.
Topics: Incidents, News, Public Safety | 32 Comments »
Structure Fire with Near Double Fatality in Converted Living Area Garage
By frhayes | October 11, 2008
On Saturday October 11, 2008 at approximately 12:30 A.M. the Long Beach Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire in the 6000 block of Orizaba Ave. Fire Engine 12 arrived on scene in under 4 minutes and conducted a primary search of a detached garage and the shed behind the garage, where the fire was located.
Fire crews worked on confining the fire to the detached garage. Paramedics treated and transported two elderly females that were living in the garage that had suffered burns related to the fire. The injuries sustained by the two female occupants were estimated at approximately 10 to 20 percent 2nd degree burns. 2 small dogs were also rescued from the fire. The quick knock down stopped the spread of the fire to the rear shed, where other family members were living, including 2 small children.
This incident was a very “Close Call” and almost resulted in two fatalities, with a smoke detector possibly installed in the garage, which alerted the occupants to prevent this from occurring.
Arson Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire that may be related to smoking, and working in conjunction with the building department to determine if the garage and shed, which had both been converted to living quarters, have the appropriate permits.
This incident occurred in Council District #9.
Battalion Chief Sarjeant gave one interview to the media on scene.
Update as of Tuesday, October 14, 2008, is that one of the elderly females injured in the fire is in critical condition at a local burn center.
Topics: Incidents | 22 Comments »