Long Beach Firefighters and Police Officers Pay Tribute Those Who Have Died In The Line Of Duty
By Jackawa Jackson | May 6, 2010
At 9:00 on the morning of May 4, 2010 firefighters from the Long Beach Fire Department joined officers from the Long Beach Police department to pay honor to their fallen comrades in the annual Police/Fire Memorial Service. In attendance were not only sworn members from both agencies but also various city officials, family members of the fallen and numerous citizens from Long Beach. Uniform personnel saluted as the names of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in the line of duty were read. The ceremony concluded with the ringing of a bell that signifies a member’s return home and the traditional 21-gun salute.
Topics: Events | 27 Comments »
1400 Gallons of Diesel Fuel = Very Long Clean-up
By JJohnson | May 5, 2010
A little after 4pm on 5/4/10, the LBFD was dispatched out to reports of an overturned tanker truck at Paramount Blvd. and the on-ramp to the Westbound 91 Frwy. First arriving units on scene noticed the tanker trailer was on it’s side and leaking a fair amount of fuel. It was estimated later, at a rate of around 25 gallons a minute. Additional resources were called to the scene, including the Hazardous Materials Task Force as well as additional Engine companies for man-power.
No injuries to responders or civilians were reported. Approximately 500 gallons of diesel fuel entered the storm drain system. The diesel fuel in the storm drain was stopped at Artesia and the Rail Road tracks west of Paramount Blvd.
A total of 47 Firefighters responded to this incident, 38 from Long Beach and 9 from our Area “E” (Vernon and Santa Fe Springs Fire Departments) partners. Area “E” provided Hazardous Materials Response Teams. Other responders included, LBPD, CHP, CalTrans, Long Beach Public Works, California Fish and Game, Long Beach Health Department, Health 44 and Long Beach Search and Rescue.
Initial emergency operations focused on protecting life safety, contain the leaking fuel, control the leak and eliminate ignition sources. Water supply was established and a foam blanket was put down to control vapors. This foam blanket was maintained throughout the incident. Once the incident became stabilized, Hazardous Materials operations were initiated. This included air monitoring, environmental monitoring, and preparing for a “Stinger” operation. This operation is used to access the leaking product and place a recovery tube into the tank to off load the product prior to righting the rolled over tanker.
Hazardous Materials Specialists entered the “exclusion zone” and began procedures to off-load the diesel. This included stabilizing the rolled over tank, grounding and bonding the tank. After this was completed, the HazMat Specialists accessed the remaining fuel in the tank by drilling two, 4” holes in the aluminum skin of the rolled tank. A pump off truck was then placed in a position for the remaining product to be pumped into. A vacuum truck was also on scene to recover the spilled fuel and foam mixture.
A total of 2600 gallons of diesel fuel was recovered from the rolled over tank during the “Stinger” off-loading process. 1400 gallons of leaking diesel fuel and water/foam mixture was recovered from the containment area. 500 gallons of diesel fuel is estimated to have entered the storm drain. This estimate is on the “high” end.
Topics: Incidents | 29 Comments »
Warehouse Fire With LACOFD – Duct Work Gone Bad!
By JJohnson | April 27, 2010
This morning at around 8:45am, a call came into the LBFD dispatch center for reports of a structure fire in the area of the 710 freeway and Victoria Street. Initially it was only a one call, passer by, who called 911. Truck 11 was first on scene and reported heavy fire coming from the roof of the warehouse. The building was on the 3100 block of Ana Street, which was in LA County Fire Departments area. They were also sending there own first alarm assignment to battle the blaze.
Since the LBFD’s T11 was on scene first, and the fire appeared to be on the roof only, they began to place other incoming LBFD units as they arrived to extinguish this fire. Crews began to cut the duct work on the underside of the roof, since the inside of the building was clear of smoke and fire. The LACOFD worked with the LBFD, to stop the spread of this fire and prevent any injuries to civilians or rescue crews.
The building used to be a textile manufacture and was in the process of being renovated to become some type of storage warehouse. Repair crews were working on the air conditioning duct work, when the built up grease inside duct work caught on fire. About 20 people were in the building when the call to 911 was made and thankfully they all made it out and were not injured.
Total units on scene: LBFD – Engines 9, 12, 13, Truck 11, Rescue 12, BC3, PIO4…….. LACOFD – Quint 127, Truck 116, Squad 116, BC 7, BC9, Hazmat 105
Topics: Incidents | 18 Comments »
LBFD Visits Kids At Millers Childrens Hospital
By JJohnson | April 26, 2010
On Friday, April the 23rd, the Long Beach Fire Department once again went to Millers Children’s at Memorial Hospital to spread some cheer and joy to kids. About 20, on-duty and off-duty, firefighters helped pass out bags for the kids. Inside the bags were some stickers, a plastic fire helmet, and coloring books and crayons.
The LBFD Kids program is now in it’s 11Th year and continues to bring smiles to the faces of many of the children who are treated at Millers. This program continues to be a success due to the tireless efforts of Captain Greg Curiel and all of the rest of volunteers from the Long Beach Fire Department.
Topics: Events | 27 Comments »
Electrocuted Tree Trimmer Rescued By Firefighters
By Jackawa Jackson | April 24, 2010
At 12:18 this afternoon, Long Beach firefighters were called to 6733 Monlaco Road to a report of a tree trimmer who had been electrocuted and was still in contact with the power lines. When Engine 18 arrived on scene they found a man, who appeared to be in his 20’s, approximately 15 feet up in a cluster of trees. His tree trimming tool had come in contact with high voltage power lines welding it to the power lines and knocking him unconscious. The situation was made even more perilous for the patient and firefighters due to the fact that the trees were positioned between two swimming pools with only a matter of feet to maneuver equipment on either side. California Edison was immediately contacted in an effort to shut down the power feeding the involved power poles. Prior to shut down of power, which took roughly 20 minutes, the patient regained consciousness several times and was shocked between 4-6 times. Firefighters had the patient out of the tree within 30 minutes. The male patient was transported to a local hospital conscious but in critical condition. Fortunately no other citizens or firefighters were injured during this incident. Responding units included: Engine 18, Light Force 19, Rescue 17, Battalion 2, and the Long Beach Urban Search and Rescue Team.
Topics: Incidents | 521 Comments »
