Lower Level Tsunami Advisory Issued
By Steve Yamamoto | March 11, 2011
Japan Earthquake: Lower Level Tsunami Advisory Issued
City of Long Beach is Prepared
At 9:45 PM last night, a 8.9 earthquake struck the nation of Japan causing significant damage and an undetermined loss of life.
A Tsunami warning has been issued for the northern California coast, and a lower level Tsunami advisory was issued for the coastline south of Santa Barbara. Long Beach at this point is not expecting significant damage, but waves up to 3 feet may hit our coast around 8:30 AM this morning. Our Police, Fire and other City Departments have already begun preparations in case there is a change in danger levels, and City officials are monitoring the situation closely.
At this point no evacuation has been ordered, but we are asking residents near the coast to be on alert. Residents are advised to stay out of the water as a Tsunami is capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water, and those conditions can last for 10 to 12 hours after 8:00 AM this morning. Beach parking lots have been closed. Boaters in our marinas have been advised to tighten down their boats. Additionally, Public Works is starting the deployment of the Seawall plugs for Naples in the event those plugs are needed to prevent flooding.
The City of Long Beach extends our deepest sympathy to those who lost love ones last night in this terrible tragedy.
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This link displays the potentially affected areas.
http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2011/03/11/lhvpd9/05/wwareaslhvpd9-05.gif
For further information please contact:
Long Beach Fire Department (562) 570-2500
Long Beach Police Department (562) 570-7260
Topics: News, Public Safety | 23 Comments »
Firefighters Battle a Two Story Inferno
By Steve Yamamoto | March 4, 2011
Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) units were dispatched on the afternoon of March 4, 2011 at 1:19PM, for reports of an apartment fire on the 2600 block of E. 56th Street. Truck 11 arrived in less than three minutes to find a two-story apartment unit that was fully involved with heavy black smoke and fire pouring out of all of the windows and doors on both floors. This produced a thick dark column of smoke could be seen from miles away. Firefighters quickly threw a ladder to the roof to begin ventilation operations to allow the super heated smoke and fire to exit the structure and improve conditions for Firefighters in the fiery blaze below. Engine 12 immediately pulled a hose line through the front door to aggressively attack the raging inferno inside. Just as other units were arriving on scene, the Incident Commander called for an additional Engine for extra manpower because of the shear amount of fire that was present. The fire burned so hot inside that it weakened the internal staircase and two Firefighters partially fell through the steps. The fall caused one Firefighter to burn his gloved hand on a scorching hot metal railing as he was advancing the hose-line upstairs. Once they had knocked down the fire, the Firefighters quickly conducted a primary search for victims. Fortunately no one was inside at the time of the fire and there were no injuries or victims.
The hard work and brave efforts of these Firefighters kept the surrounding units of this apartment complex from being engulfed by flames. The conditions inside were so intense that two Firefighters suffered minor burns to their ears, neck, and hand. They were evaluated on scene by Paramedics and returned to duty. The LBFD Fire Investigators determined the cause of this fire to be arson. A suspect was arrested by Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) officers and booked for arson. The total damages incurred were estimated at over $350,000. Additional to the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and LBPD, there were a total of 14 LBFD units and 29 personnel operating on scene of this incident that occurred in the 8th Council District.
Topics: Incidents | 37 Comments »
Firefighters Free Trapped Driver
By Admin | March 4, 2011
At 10:25AM on March 1st, units from the Long Beach Fire Department responded to reports of an injury traffic accident with a trapped victim at the South bound 405, South bound Lakewood Blvd. off ramp. Units arrived on scene within four minutes and discovered a midsized pick up truck that had careened off of the road and into the trees and bushes below. The single female driver was in fact trapped due to the vehicle being wedged into the thick vegetation on the embankment. Firefighters quickly used chainsaws to remove large limbs and other debris that was restricting the victim’s door from being opened. Once freed, the driver was walked up to the Paramedic Rescue for further evaluation and released.
Thanks to the quick efforts of the Firefighters, this victim was quickly and safely removed from the wreckage. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. There were a total of 8 Fire Department Apparatus and 20 personnel that responded to this incident that took place in the 5th Council District.
Topics: Incidents, Video | 41 Comments »
Firefighters Revive a Dog from a Burning Home
By Admin | March 3, 2011
On March 3, 2011 at approximately 10:28AM, Long Beach Firefighters were dispatched to a call for a house fire on the 4800 block of Bentree Ave. The call originated from a Long Beach Gas Department Employee that saw large amounts of black smoke coming from a home. When Engine 12 arrived on scene within three minutes they discovered heavy black smoke coming from the back of the house and attic vents. Firefighters wasted no time in stretching a hose line into the structure after forcing entry through the front door and initiating an aggressive interior attack. Firefighters/Paramedics on Rescue 9 quickly pulled a backup line to the rear of the home and pried the door to gain access. The truck crew then laddered the roof to cut a hole that would relieve the intense heat and the heavy smoke below. The blaze was quickly knocked down and a primary search for victims was immediately conducted throughout the smoke filled home. It was then that Firefighters discovered what appeared to be a lifeless medium sized dog on the bathroom floor. They quickly scooped up the dog and took it to the front of the house and began treatment with a canine resuscitator and administered high flow oxygen. After assisting with ventilations the dog’s respiratory rate and drive greatly improved and was no longer lethargic. The dog was then taken to a local area veterinarian for further treatment and evaluation.
No one was home at the time of the incident and there were no human injuries. Thanks to the valiant efforts of the Firefighters, this dog did not succumb to its injuries and is doing well. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by Fire Investigators. There were a total of 10 Fire Department apparatus and 26 personnel operating on scene of this fire that took place in the 8th Council District.
Topics: Incidents, Video | 26 Comments »
Quick Action By Firefighters Saves House
By Admin | February 27, 2011
On February 26th at approximately 3:14PM, Firefighters from the Long Beach Fire Department were called out for reports of a garage fire at 2880 Heather Road. Rescue 19 arrived first to find a fully involved attached garage with heavy black smoke and fire pouring out of the door and windows compromising the attic space to the house. Firefighters from Engine 18 and LF17 arrived next and immediately pulled multiple hose lines, made entry into the fire-involved garage, and aggressively attacked the seat of the blaze. These swift actions made it possible to quickly extinguish the fire and contain the damage to the garage area and contents. Firefighters from Engine 22 and Rescue 9 concentrated their efforts on overhaul operations and primary search of the house. No injuries were reported and the fire was confined to the garage with no extension into the attic or living space.
The residents were displaced and the Red Cross was contacted to assist with sheltering aid. The residents declined Red Cross and would seek shelter on their own. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Fire Investigators. A total of 8 Fire Department apparatus and 23 personnel responded to this incident that took place in the 5th Council District.
Topics: Incidents | 25 Comments »
