Long Beach Firefighters Museum
By JJohnson | October 11, 2009
Fire Station 10 was originally opened October 19, 1925 as a fire station and the departments repair shop. The building was left vacant when the new 10’s opened next door on January 10, 1968 and the repair shop was integrated with the city shop in 1972. Chief Robert Leslie gave permission to Herb Bramley in 1980 to use the building for restoration or antique fire apparatus, and the museum was founded. On September 24, 2002, after 3 decades of tireless work, the City of Long Beach voted unanimously to dedicate the LBFD Museum as the Herb Bramley LBFD Museum.
The museum has over 14 vehicles on display dating back to 1890, most were in service with the LBFD. There are “run log books” from over 70 years ago. There is an extensive collection of firefighting tools and equipment and the walls are lined with pictures, tools, and a 100 year old life net.
The nozzle display shows the different types of nozzles used and the numerous advancements made throughout the departments history. Inside the crews dormitory is a display of helmets and badges worn by firefighters world-wide.
The mission of the Long Beach Firefighters Historical Society is to educate the general public about the LBFD and it’s history, fire safety, and firefighting with the use of personal tours and one-of-a-kind collection and artifacts.
Topics: News | 26 Comments »
Annual Firefighters Picnic At Gemmrig Park
By JJohnson | October 11, 2009
The picnic has been going on since about 1965 or so at Gemrig Park and in its current form. There used to be a picnic for each shift as there was A and B shifts at that time (no C shift yet). The LB Firemen’s Memorial Association uses funds from the Fourth of July Fireworks Show to pay for the picnic. The LB Firemen’s Memorial Association is comprised of LBFD members that volunteer their time to stage these events. There used to be a pizza night also. The Memorial Association and its founding members started the organization to promote a few social gatherings throughout the year to build up camaraderie and family togetherness amongst the department.
The picnic had strong turnouts over the years, especially in the years when everyone was required to live in the city. Prior to the picnic at Gemrig Park near the police pistol range, families used to gather at a local city park where they would bring their own food. Somebody would organize sack races, pie eating contests, softball and other games for the families.
Topics: Events | 33 Comments »
Fire Destroys Apartment And Displaces 9 Residents
By JJohnson | October 11, 2009
On 9/10/09 at 7:44 pm, a call came in to the Long Beach Fire Department for reports of fire on the 400 block of Plymouth Street. Engine 12 was the first unit on scene within 3 minutes and reported heavy fire blowing through the roof and requested a fourth Engine for manpower.
The apartment fire was on the second floor and in the rear of the 8 unit complex. LBFD units began an aggressive fire attack and, it took about 10 minutes to knock down the flames and conduct a primary search of the 1 bedroom apartment. T11 went to the roof and ventilated the super heated smoke and gases, thus making it cooler for the crews inside extinguishing the blaze.
Thankfully there was no one in the unit and there were no other injuries to report. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The affected unit was a total loss and there were 3 other units that had minor smoke damage, therefore displaced a total of 7 adults and 2 children. The Red Cross was called to the scene to assist with sheltering for the 9 people.
Total units on scene consisted of: E11, T11, R11, E12, E9,E13, BC3
Topics: Incidents, News, Public Safety | 35 Comments »
Horses Escape From Stable Fire
By JJohnson | October 11, 2009
The call came in to LBFD dispatch for a brush fire near the 6900 block of Atlantic Avenue and the Los Angeles river bed at about 7:45pm on 9/10/09. a couple of minutes later it was upgraded from a single response to a full structure response. The first arriving LBFD unit was Rescue 12 and the paramedic proceeded to give his size up.
“Fire, we have a good going stable fire, be advised we have multiple horses loose and have the first unit pull an extended hotline to the rear for fire attack.” The reason that the Rescue was the first and not an Engine was that there was another structure fire just finishing up about 2 mile south of this incident. Units were clearing that call and other units had to respond from farther away.
Lite Force 19 (E19 and T19) followed closely by Engine 13 were the first units on scene to start fire attack. LF 19’s Engine had multiple lines pulled for attacking the fire. E7 and T7 also assisted with the fire. Ultimately, 4 or 5 stalls were affected and were a total loss. No horses were injured, although there were reports that one horse sustained some minor burns as it fled it’s stall and went through the flames.
No other injuries to Firefighters or civilians were reported.
Total units on scene consisted of the following: Lite Force 19, E7, T7, E13, R12, BC1, PIO4, LACOFD 31
Topics: Incidents, News, Public Safety | 25 Comments »
Dryer and Washing Machine Safety
By frhayes | October 9, 2009
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Facts and figures
Source: NFPA’s “Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines,” report by John R. Hall Jr., May 2008. |
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Dryers and washing machines were involved in one out of every 21 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2002-2005.
For more information on fire safety please go to: www.nfpa.org
Topics: Public Safety | 31 Comments »
