Terrorism Drill in the Port of Long Beach
By frhayes | June 27, 2008
On Wednesday and Thursday, June 25th and June 26thof 2008, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 P.M. a “Full Scale” exercise to prepare for any terrorist type activities was conducted by members of the Coast Guard, the Long Beach Fire and Police departments, Port Personnel, additional Departments and Agencies also participated. This exercise was conducted in portions of both the Long Beach and Los Angeles Ports.
The combined Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are one of the world’s busiest seaports, the second busiest in the United States, and they are a vital transportation hub in the global trade market place. These characteristics according to a two-year extensive study for the Department of Homeland Security make this geographical area a highly desired target for terrorist activity. In fact according to the Office of the California Attorney General out of a list of 624 identified possible terrorist targets in the state, it is ranked 3rd in causing major potential consequences.
This exercise was a great opportunity to participate in a unified command capacity, with neighboring jurisdictions, and agencies that would in fact be assembled to mitigate the affects of a real terrorist attack, if in fact it did occur.
Topics: News | 20 Comments »
The Long Beach Fire Department Memorial Association Announces Information on Their Annual 4th of July Show
By frhayes | June 19, 2008
Tickets will go on sale starting on Saturday, June 21st from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. daily until July 4th at 5:00 P.M. at Long Beach Fire Station 19, located at 3559 Clark Ave, Long Beach, CA, 90808, for the annual 4th of July Show presented by the Long Beach Fire Department Memorial Association. Ticket prices are $10 Dollars for Adults and $7 Dollars for Children and Seniors.
The presentation will consist of demonstration by the Long Beach Police K-9 and Helicopter divisions, a live band “Assisted Living” will provide the music, there will be a Bicycle Raffle, the Long Beach Fire Department Clowns will entertain the crowd, and of course there will be a “Great” Fireworks show. Gates open at 5:00 P.M. and the fireworks display will begin at 9:00 P.M.
Attending a fireworks show is a fantastic way to ensure a great Independence Day celebration for the entire family and helps ensure safety for all. For more information on fire safety and fireworks refer to www.nfpa.org
Topics: News | 22 Comments »
Injury Traffic Accident with a Multi Causalty Incident on the 91 Freeway at Atlantic Ave.
By frhayes | June 19, 2008
On June 18, 2008 at 11:28 P.M. Long Beach Fire Department units responded to a traffic accident on the East bound 91 Freeway at Atlantic Blvd. The initial on scene unit gave a report of multiple vehicles involved and began assessing the situation, triaging patients, and ensuring that protective measures where under taken to protect victims.
It was determined that 5 vehicles were involved with a total of 7 patients, a Multi Casualty Incident (MCI) was declared by the on scene incident commander (BC3), and this policy was initiated. A primary concern was the possibility of multiple trapped victims with a pickup truck situated on the roof a smaller vehicle with patients inside. Engine 6 and the Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) in addition to a mutual aid request to Los Angeles County (LACFD) for their Wrecker was broadcast to the dispatch center to assist with extrication operations if required.
During the MCI operations it was determined that there were 2 critical patients; these individuals were transported to trauma centers. One patient was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center the other patient was taken to Memorial Medical Center. Two individuals received minor injuries and were transported by Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances to Pacific Hospital, and the three remaining individuals signed out Against Medical Advice (AMA).
Extrication of some of the patients was achieved without the need for the US&R or LACFD Wrecker, all patients were treated, and the scene was left in charge of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for removal of the vehicles, and for investigation procedures.
Units that responded were E12, E11, E7, E6, T11, US&R 6, R12, R11, R9, BLS16, BLS4, BC3, and PIO1.
This incident occurred in the 9th Council District.
Topics: Incidents | 26 Comments »
Fire at 1850 Daisy Ave.
By frhayes | June 17, 2008
Engine three the first unit on scene, within approximately 3 minutes, confirmed that the fire was at the dispatched location of 1850 Daisy Ave , and that heavy smoke and fire was visible to the rear of the location. Engine three pulled a hose line for fire attack to extinguish the fire and conducted a primary search for any possible occupants in the structure. Engine three requested a water supply from the next incoming Engine Company, assigned an Engine company to the rear of the structure, and assigned the Truck Company to assist with vertical ventilation of the structure.
LBFD units made an aggressive attack on the fire, with coordinated ventilation operations, and a quick knock down (extinguishment) was achieved with a complete search of the occupancy within approximately 4 minutes from arrival. Units where able to confine the fire to the primary area of origin and protected exposures on all four sides.
Fire units initiated salvage and overhaul operations with the coordinated efforts of fire prevention and arson investigators accessing the cause of the fire. The primary area of fire appears to be located in a garage that had been converted into a living area, and near by combustibles, consisting of a camper, plastic, and wood products. During the preliminary investigation it was noted that there was at least one smoke detector in this living space, however the battery had been removed, making it non-functional.
Members from LBFD Fire Prevention division, and Arson Investigators, will be conducting a more thorough investigation of the occupancy and will proceed as warranted.
A total of 25 LBFD members responded to this fire, including E3, E10, E7, E13, T7, R13, BC1, PIO1, Arson, and Fire Prevention personnel.
This incident occurred in council district 6
Topics: Incidents | 22 Comments »
Smoke Detector “Give Away” Day
By frhayes | June 17, 2008
Subject: The Long Beach Fire Department Partnering with The Community Development Department /Neighborhood Services Division announces the Smoke Detector “Give Away” Day.On Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. every Long Beach Fire Station will give away up to Two (2) smoke detectors for each residence in the City of Long Beach.
Statistics show that properly installed and maintained smoke alarms in the home are considered one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning of a potentially deadly fire. Smoke alarms save lives, prevent injuries, and minimize property damage by enabling residents to detect fires early in their development. In fact the risk of dying from fires in homes without smoke alarms is approximately twice as high as in homes that have working smoke alarms.
The procedure for distribution will be for the community member to Completely fill out the smoke detector release form provided at the fire station, department members will then provide the smoke detector/s with a brief orientation on there proper usage. This orientation will include at a minimum the proper mounting locations (hallways and sleeping areas) an emphasis on the importance of checking the batteries regularly to ensure their proper working condition, and referring the community member to read the manufacturers instructions for use.
This simple, yet effective tool has proven to save lives. The Long Beach Fire Department and the Community Development Neighborhood Services Division are sponsoring this event in an effort to provide for better safety within our city and encourage community members to take advantage of this great opportunity.
To locate a Fire Station in your area, and for additional information on fire safety go to WWW.Longbeach.gov/fire or WWW.nfpa.org
Topics: News | 20 Comments »