Vehicle Trapped Under Semi
By Admin | February 26, 2011
On February 26th at approximately 2:39 am, Firefighters from the Long Beach Fire Department were called out to reports of a car under a semi-trailer. Upon arrival, firefighter found a small sedan wedged under a semi-trailer on the southbound 710 Fwy, @ Del Amo Blvd. The driver was pinned in the car and need to be extricated. The victim was conscious, but in moderate distress. Engine and Truck 11 expedited a delicate, but quick extrication of the victim. The 55 yr. old male patient was transported, by paramedics, to a local area hospital for moderate injuries.
A total of 7 Fire Department apparatus and 19 personnel responded to this incident. Cooperating agencies included CHP and Cal Trans. This incident took place in the 8th Council District.
Topics: Incidents | 33 Comments »
Dramatic Swift Water Rescue
By Admin | February 26, 2011
On February 25th at approximately 10:52 PM, Firefighters from the Long Beach Fire Department were called out to reports of a person “moving quickly” in the LA River @ Del Amo Blvd. A Swift water deployment was initiated and a joint effort between firefighters and lifeguards had begun. The Battalion Chief quickly requested LBPD Fox 2 for air support, search and lighting. LBPD Fox 2 scanned the entire LA River from Del Amo to Anaheim and located the victim clinging to a Metro Blue Line cement abutment. The swift water teams arrived at the location, instructed the victim to remain calm until they could reach him. One firefighter scaled the abutment, made positive contact with the victim, instructed the victim to place a helmet and floatation device on himself, secured safety lines on both himself and the victim and started the removal process. Both the victim and firefighter slowly moved, in unison, across the abutment and finally removed from danger by additional firefighters and lifeguards. These swift actions made it possible to quickly secure and remove the victim from harms way. LBPD Fox 2 continued to provide aerial observation and lighting throughout the rescue.
The 40 yr. old male patient was transported, by paramedics, to a local area hospital for minor injuries and possible hypothermia.
A total of 13 Fire Department apparatus and 40 personnel. Cooperating agencies included LBPD Fox 2 and Patrol Officers, Metro Blue Line Representatives, and LA County Flood Control Representatives. This incident took place in the 8th Council District.
Topics: Incidents, Video | 30 Comments »
Kitchen Fire Quickly Engulfs Apartment
By Steve Yamamoto | February 25, 2011
On February 24th at approximately 1:14PM, Firefighters from the Long Beach Fire Department were called out for a general fire alarm on the 5500 block of Ackerfield Ave. Engine 12 quickly responded within four minutes to find a fully involved downstairs apartment unit with heavy black smoke and fire pouring out of the doors and windows compromising the upstairs unit above. Firefighters immediately pulled a hose line, made entry into the fiery inferno, and aggressively attacked the seat of the blaze. These swift actions made it possible to quickly push back the flames and extinguish the fire that originated in the kitchen. Firefighters then shifted efforts to overhaul operations while checking the heavily charred walls and ceilings for hot spots and fire extension to ensure the fire was completely out. This also included thoroughly checking the unit directly above on the 2nd floor. Outside the unit laid multiple empty fire extinguishers that a neighbor bravely tried to extinguish the blaze with before the Fire Department’s arrival. Sadly, the young male neighbor, said to be in his early 20’s received a laceration to his hand from the broken shards of glass in the window while trying to do so. The female occupant of the unit, also said to be in her 20’s, sustained minor burns to the face. Both patients were transported to local area hospitals for their minor injuries.
A total of six residents were displaced and the Red Cross was contacted to assist with sheltering aid. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Fire Investigators. A total of 11 Fire Department apparatus and 23 personnel responded to this incident that took place in the 8th Council District.
Topics: Incidents | 32 Comments »
Neighbor Battles House Fire Until Firefighters Arrive
By Matthew Dobberpuhl | February 20, 2011
Firefighters from the Long Beach Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1126 Walnut Ave earlier today. The first units on scene found a man with a garden hose valiantly trying to put out a fire that had started in the living room of the single family home. His courageous efforts kept the fire from spreading to the rest of the structure. Firefighters from Engine 10 quickly forced the front door and extinguished the fire. The crews from Fire Engine 3 and Truck 1 assisted by ventilating the building to clear it of smoke and super heated gases. There were no injuries reported but five residents were displaced and staying with family members. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. A Battalion Chief, Arson Investigator and 18 Firefighters responded to this incident that occurred in the 2nd Council District.
Topics: Incidents | 26 Comments »
Three People Saved in LA River Swiftwater Rescue
By Admin | February 16, 2011
On Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at approx. 0815 hours, LBFD Units responded to reports of a person trapped on an island in the middle of the LA River bed.
Upon arrival units found three male victims in the middle of the LA River surrounded by fast moving water. The victims had set up a homeless encampment, with tents and chairs, and had been surprised by a fast moving, fast rising river caused by the rains.
The Long Beach Fire Department Swift water Team (comprised of Firefighters and Lifeguards) was deployed, along with additional Fire Department personnel and a rescue was set in motion. A contact rescue was initiated for each victim and all three men were safely brought to the rivers edge without incident.
Each victim was evaluated by LBFD Paramedics and released at the scene in good condition.
A total of 14 apparatus with 40 Operations personnel (firefighters & lifeguards) responded to this call. The PIO and Videographer were on scene. The Police provided traffic and crowd control.
This occurred in Council District #7.
Topics: Incidents, Video | 26 Comments »
