Chatsworth Metrolink Union Pacific Train Derailment Incident
By frhayes | September 16, 2008
On Friday, September 12, 2008 at 4:23 PM, 38 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 28 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 Rehab Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 4 Helicopters, 7 EMS Battalion Captains, 8 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Foam Tenders 100 & 60, Emergency Air 1, the Heavy Equipment Company, Emergency Lighting 72, 83 and 112, 20 Division 3 CERT members with a Coordinator, all under the direction of Deputy Chief Mario Rueda responded to reports of a train derailment near 21631 W. Heather Lee Ln. in the Chatsworth area.
The Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) at approximately 6:30 PM received a request for a survey of available resources from Region One Dispatch in regard to our ability to send our Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team to assist with the incident. At approximately 9:30 PM we received the formal request to deploy our team to the incident, this request however was canceled prior to our team arriving at the incident. Deputy Chief of Operation Jeff Reeb and Battalion Chief of Operations Maurice Sinsley did respond to the incident that evening to observe operations and attend briefings to learn valuable information that may assist our organization in the future.
The following morning a three member team from the LBFD traveled to the incident site to meet with the Planning Chief, who the night before was the Extrication Group manager, responsible for running operations to rescue trapped patients. The Los Angeles City Fire Department was incredibly gracious in taking the time to explain their operations. Pointing out challenges, complications, what worked well, and where improvements could be made in the future. This information and the information received by the Operations Chiefs will be shared will all members in the future, to ensure that we are better prepared for a similar incident that could occur in the city of Long Beach.
The link for the LA City Fire Department is attached for the full story and pictures of the incident:
http://lafd.blogspot.com/2008/09/train-derailment-causes-multi-casualty.html
Topics: Incidents | 27 Comments »
LBFD Swiftwater Rescue Task Force Deployment Update
By frhayes | September 12, 2008
On Friday, September 12, 2008 the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) swift water rescue team was attached to the Texas Task Force Rescue Team. With two squad leaders and their three 4 man boats designated as Bravo squads 6,7 &8. Los Angeles County, Austin, Longview, and Denton teams complete the Bravo Division. The teams from Stockton and Sacramento City that LBFD traveled with to the area are assigned to the Alpha Division.
The water rescue teams have been assigned to the east and west ends of Galveston, which has the possibility of being submerged due to the predicted high storm surge. The current plan is to stage at the Reliant Convention Center and wait for the winds to fall below 40 mph before possible deployment to assist with residents who did not head the call to evacuate the area.
All of the teams have been getting more familiar with their equipment, personal gear, and reviewing policies and procedures. There currently are approximately 500 people and 300 various pieces of equipment on scene. Including teams from Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Virginia, the Coast Guard, Military, and FEMA.
On Saturday, September 13th in the morning after enduring the full force of the hurricane without incident at the Reliant Convention Center a briefing was held by the FEMA overhead management team, and the water rescue teams. The LBFD and LA County teams were attached to Texas Task Force 1, 2, and a military unit to respond to the Texas-Louisiana to the town of Bridges, which had reports of hundreds of people stranded in their homes from the severe flooding.
While en route they passed small buildings that had experienced extensive wind damage, power poles, trees, and signs that had been uprooted, and numerous homes, and fields that were flooded. Once they reached their assigned area they drove through running board high water to receive a face-to-face briefing from the local fire department in regard to completed rescues, extent of damage, layout of the city, and the hazards associated with gators, and water moccasins. The team began their searches by driving into the affected areas as far as possible, then unloading their 3 boats and walking them through knee deep water hailing for any survivors, or those in need. This operation continued well into the night hours with some individuals receiving assistance, while others chose to stay with their homes.
On Sunday, September 14th the LBFD team was assigned to “secondary searches” of the structures and areas of their responsibility. These searches were intended to ensure that all residents were accounted for, and that there were no injuries associated with the hurricanes devastation of the community. During the operation residents who had evacuated were given the approval to re-enter the area and the local fire department began to assist with this procedure.
Reports as of Monday, September 15th are that the team may begin de-mobilization procedures and return to the city by Friday, September 19th. As more information becomes available in regard to this deployment it will be posted and forwarded to the appropriate individuals.
Topics: Incidents | 29 Comments »
Long Beach Search and Rescue Open House and Celebration Invitation
By frhayes | September 9, 2008
The Long Beach Search and Rescue (LBSR) unit proudly announces their 46th anniversary open house and celebration. This event will be held On Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at their facility located at (2247 Argonne Avenue) adjacent to the LBFD training center, behind LBFD Station 17. There will be a display of the LBSR apparatus, emergency equipment, and the opportunity to meet the team members. The celebration will include special presentations and awards. There will also be an audio-visual presentation of the LBSR history and activities, a rescue demonstration, and a tour of the Search and Rescue facilities.
The LBSR, established in 1962, is a Specialist Explorer Post of the Long Beach Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and has volunteered over 752,000 hours of service to the community since its inception. This program helps to prepare, and encourages members to seek careers in law enforcement, the fire service, and medical fields.
The Long Beach Police Motor Patrol Association and the Long Beach Firefighters Association sponsor this program, and some of these members serve as teachers, and mentors for the explorers. Personnel from the LBSR, Police and Fire Associations cordially invite you to attend this open house and celebration, and look forward to seeing you there.
Topics: Events | 28 Comments »
LBFD Kids Beach Fest Day at Miller Childrens Hospital
By frhayes | September 8, 2008
On Friday, September 5, 2008 members from the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Kid’s program comprised of on-duty and off-duty members participated in the annual “Beach Fest Day” at Miller Children’s Hospital.
For the event a large conference room was transformed into a tropical beach setting, with the backdrop of a sizeable screen projecting moving fish amongst a coral reef. There were balloon dolphins floating through the air, plastic lobsters and crabs on the tables, kiddie pools on the floor, and even some of the food provided was shaped in the form of sea creatures.
Members from the LBFDKid’s and Miller Hospital greeted the children wearing straw hats and leas, and then escorted the children to various different activities. Their first activity was to pick either a visor or plastic fire helmet to decorate which they would wear throughout the event. Pictures were then taken in grass skirts, between two blown up palm tress, and some of the children chose to hold or pet one of the two “comfort dogs” in their pictures
There were numerous games the children could play, a face painting station, and even an area to make their very own kites. One of the highlights of the event was the bubble making presentation. A square bubble was made to the amazement of the crowd, and then individual children, and even one very tall firefighter were encapsulated in a huge bubble for the grand finale. All had fun, young and old, and the hospital staff was very gracious in expressing their gratitude for the LBFDKid’s participation at the event.
The LBFDKid’s is now in it’s 10th year of existence, originally established by Captain David Holden and Deputy Chief Mike Garcia back in 1998, and is comprised of ALL members of the LBFD who participate. The mission of the LBFDKid’s is to enhance the lives and well being of the chronically ill children at Miller Hospital, through bringing smiles and laughter.
This program is a great opportunity for members of the LBFD to provide an atmosphere of caring, comfort, fun and enjoyment to each patient treated at Miller Children’s Hospital; and to enhance the LBFD’s presence in a non-threatening, non-emergent role within the community.
The next scheduled LBFDKid’s event is the “Halloween Trick or Treat Day” on Friday, October 31st from 8:30 to 1130 A.M. LBFDKid’s volunteers visit the rooms of all the children and then lead a parade throughout the hospital where children dressed in their costumes “Trick or Treat” throughout the facility.
For more information on this event, future programs e.g., Christmas Visit, or the LBFDKid’s organization please contact Captain Greg Curiel.
Topics: Events | 34 Comments »
Long beach City Hall “Simulated” Anthrax Incident Evacuation Drill
By frhayes | September 4, 2008
On Thursday, September 4, 2008, the Long Beach City Hall facility conducted their yearly evacuation drill with an extra-added complication. This year’s scenario a “simulated” anthrax incident provided employees and first responders with challenges that they had not been presented with in the past.
The drill began with the discovery of a package containing an unknown type white powdery substance in City Hall, which triggered employees to initiate an evacuation of the building, in coordination with calling the Fire and Police departments to respond for assistance.
The Fire and Police departments responded the appropriate resources for this “simulated” incident and set up a unified command post, including the City Safety Officers to coordinate an orderly evacuation, and to formulate a plan to address the presence, and possible exposure of employees to a hazardous material (Anthrax).
Fire department members assisted with the evacuation of employees down both stairwells who where ambulatory, and used specialized equipment to assist employees who could not self evacuate down the stairwells. Police department personnel assisted with securing the area, assisting with evacuations at ground level, and simulated contacting partnering agencies that would be involved in a “real” anthrax incident, and started the investigation process.
This incident also provided the new LBFD hazardous material team with the opportunity in which to utilize some of their detection equipment, personnel protective suits, and perform a simulated decontamination process on two city hall employees.
Overall this drill was a success, and provided employees with the reminder that in the event of a real emergency knowing how to evacuate the building is a very important procedure to know how to complete in a timely, and efficient manner. The drill also gave the members of the unified command (Fire, Police, and City Hall personnel) the ability to communicate, plan, utilize all of the resources to the best of their ability, and to strengthen relationships between all involved.
Topics: News | 25 Comments »