Big Rig Collides With An Occupied Structure
By Jackawa Jackson | June 27, 2009
On the morning of June 27th, just before 4:00 am, Long Beach Fire Department units were dispatched to 1715 West Anaheim Street to a report of a vehicle into a building. Upon arrival, Engine 3 found a Big Rig had plowed into the front of a 24 hr café located at the dispatched address. The business was occupied at the time of the collision. The driver of the truck managed to back his rig out of the hole created by the impact and awaited arrival of the fire department. Fortunately, the cashier was not at the register at the time of the accident and all other patrons were in other areas of the building. Had this not been the case, the results could have been catastrophic. The building appeared to have sustained significant damage and the Long Beach Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue team was called out to provide shoring and building stabilization. A search of the area was conducted to insure there were no victims pinned under the wreckage. The building department responded to check the structural integrity of the business. The driver of the truck was transported by Rescue 13 to a local hospital with minor injuries. There was no report of fire and no other reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters. A total of 16 firefighters responded to this incident. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.
Topics: Incidents, News | 30 Comments »
Come Out And Share In The Fun Of The 2009 LBFD Fireworks Display
By Jackawa Jackson | June 25, 2009
Topics: Events | 26 Comments »
LBFD Fireworks Demonstration Media Event
By frhayes | June 24, 2009
Subject: LBFD Fireworks Demonstration with Subject Matter Experts and Arson Investigators Media Event Invitation
The Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) invites all media personnel to a fireworks demonstration to visually demonstrate how dangerous they can be. Subject matter experts will also be available to provide specific information on safety, and Arson investigators will talk about “Real Life” incidents and enforcement plans for illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July. This demonstration will take place on Wednesday, July 1st at 11:00 A.M. at the LBFD Training center, located at 2249 Argonne Ave. 90806.
Fireworks have become a traditional part of an American family’s Fourth of July celebration. Unfortunately, these celebrations all too often result in serious burns, hearing loss and other injuries. Fireworks are illegal in Long Beach, and dangerous wherever they are ignited. Those are simple facts, yet every year people take needless risks when they celebrate the Fourth of July. Even so-called Safe and Sane fireworks and sparklers are harmful.
Here’s a sobering look at the dangers of fireworks:
• 20 Americans died in 2007 as a direct result of injuries caused by fireworks or related fires.
• Nearly 10,000 people each year are treated for injuries caused by fireworks.
• Half of all fireworks injuries happen to children under 15.
• Sparklers account for the most injuries (1,500), and for half the injuries to children under 5.
It’s amazing how many of these needless injuries could have been prevented, for information on fireworks safety please visit www.nfpa.org .
Yet the National Council on Fireworks Safety does have some promising news. For the past several years, there has been a decreasing trend in the fireworks injury rates. A major reason has been the increasing popularity of professional fireworks shows, which residents are encouraged to attend.
Every year, about 50 professional shows are held throughout Los Angeles County on the Fourth of July, including a show at Veterans Memorial Stadium, and another show visible from the Greater Queensway Bay and beachfront areas.
Check www.longbeach.gov or your local newspaper for more information, and leave fireworks shows to the professionals. They’re safe, and they’re amazing.
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Topics: Events, News, Public Safety | 14 Comments »
LBFD Skillful Rescue From The Top Of Down Town Ferris Wheel
By frhayes | June 23, 2009
On Monday, June 22, 2009 at 9:34 P.M. Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) units Truck 1, Truck 7 and Battalion Chief 1 responded to a report of two people stuck at the top of a Ferris wheel at 65 S PINE AVE, LONG BEACH, CA 90802.
Truck 1 arrived on scene and determined that a mechanical malfunction had occurred causing the two people to be stuck at the apex of the wheel. After consulting with the operators, maintenance personnel, and attempting numerous ways of bringing the car down unsuccessfully, Truck 7 was requested to respond. This apparatus has a “Basket” attached at the top of the ladder and due to safety concerns, the plan was to have the stuck individuals exit the car and enter the basket to be lowered to ground level.
Once Truck 7 arrived on scene the Engineer carefully drove up a curb and over a sidewalk to a grassy area directly beneath the Ferris wheel, and extended the ladder approximately 60 feet above ground level. Raising the ladder proved to be quit a challenge due to having to move the basket into perfect position to provide for a safe transfer, and to ensure that no damage was done to the Ferris wheel. With the skillful operation of the ladder completed by two firefighters from inside the basket, the rescue of the trapped occupants was accomplished.
With the cheers of all of the “Onlookers” who had stopped to take in this unique site, the man and woman both in there early 20’s expressed their gratitude to the firefighters for helping them back on to solid ground after about 45 minutes of overlooking the skyline of Long Beach.
There were no injuries to the two people involved, who were re-united with friends to continue on with the rest of the evenings activities, minus any more Ferris wheel rides for a very long time!!!
This incident occurred in Council District 1, with a total of 3 apparatus and 9 personnel responding to this call, and working for approximately 1 hour.
Topics: Incidents | 30 Comments »
Boaters Rescued From A Capsized Powerboat
By Jackawa Jackson | June 23, 2009
On Sunday June 21st at approximately 6:35 pm the Long Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Division received a mayday call involving an overturned 20 foot power boat with 2 persons in the water at the east end of the federal break wall. RB-2 and RB-3 responded, rescuing the male and female victims from the water, turning the vessel right side up and removing all water from it. They then towed the boat back to the South Shore launch ramp. Fortunately, the boaters were un-injured in this accident. Both boaters were in their late 30’s. The cause of this accident is currently under investigation.
Topics: Uncategorized | 19 Comments »
