WINTER STORM WATCH - SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON

 A LARGE UPPER LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE INTO THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA INTERIOR FRIDAY NIGHT. 


  THIS IS FORECAST TO BE A STRONG COLD SYSTEM AND WILL BRING HEAVY SNOWFALL TO THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY.
 WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON ABOVE 6000 FEET THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HANFORD HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH ABOVE 6000 FEET FOR HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA.
 * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 2 FEET ABOVE 6000 FEET AND 2 TO 3 FEET IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
* ELEVATION: ABOVE 6000 FEET.
* TIMING: SNOW WILL BEGIN FALLING FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON. THE HEAVIEST SNOW WILL FALL DURING THE DAY SATURDAY. ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL IS LIKELY ON SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK...SHAVER LAKE...HUNTINGTON LAKE...LODGEPOLE.
* WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS OVER THE HIGH COUNTRY WILL GUST UP TO 50 MPH.
* IMPACTS: SOUTHWEST WINDS GUSTING TO 50 MPH OVER THE HIGH COUNTRY WILL CAUSE BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW AND POSSIBLE WHITE OUT CONDITIONS. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS MAY CAUSE CLOSURES OF MOUNTAIN ROADS.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:

Instruction:
A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW AND STRONG WINDS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Area: SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON-TULARE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-

Affected Counties or parts of: Tuolumne, Tulare, Mariposa, Merced, Kings, Kern, Fresno, Madera

California Fire News 2011 

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USFS: Burn pile caused 2011 Ruth wildfire

Investigators looking into the damaging Sept. 23, 2011, Ruth fire have concluded that the blaze was caused by an escaped fire from a debris pile burn on private property.


The U.S. Forest Service recently released the heavily redacted investigative report, in which all names are blacked out.
The Ruth fire burned 1,452 acres of national forestland and private property, four residences and 27 outbuildings, and caused evacuations of the area. The fire was contained Sept. 29 and controlled Oct. 3.
“The Ruth fire cost approximately four and one half million dollars to suppress and rehabilitate,” the report states.
The Forest Service and Cal Fire investigated the blaze.
“Investigators determined the cause of the Ruth fire to be an escaped debris pile burning on private property adjacent to National Forest lands,” the report states.
The investigative team determined the fire originated on private property on Upriver Road. Likely using fuel and stick matches, the property owner had lit debris piles on his property that day, which, it was noted, was not an authorized allowable burn day in Ruth or the surrounding area. The property owner had been trying to clean his property, which the report described as well kept. However, the report stated, he “burned debris piles during a period of high fire danger and hot dry weather conditions.”
The property owner acknowledged that his debris pile burn could have started the Ruth fire and that a pile he lit in the morning could have reignited around lunch time, according to the report.
The owner said he saw the fire, about the size of a pickup truck, and tried to stop it before it escaped his property, the report states. Furthermore, the report stated that the property owner had experienced a fire escape his control on his property about three years prior to the Ruth fire.
“The investigation team determined (the property owner) made a poor decision to burn debris piles within adverse fire and weather conditions,” the report states. “Specifically, the debris pile of origin, surrounded by continuous low cut dry light vegetation (grass) in contact with a burning wood debris pile.”
The case was referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District, which declined criminal prosecution, citing absence of evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
“We have submitted it to our civil side,” said Daryl Rush, Forest Service assistant special agent in charge of investigations in the North State. “They will be communicating with the person responsible trying to recover restitution costs.”
Individuals who lost property will need to file their own claims, he said.

Source:  trinityjournal.com  - Link
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CAL FIRE News: T.U.D. Approves Agreement With CAL Fire

Sonora, CA -- The Tuolumne Utilities District has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with CAL Fire regarding jobs performed by the Baseline Conservation Crews.

The state prisoners in the camps often perform maintenance and assist with projects for T.U.D. The state has decided it wants more of a firm agreement in place with various agencies moving forward because the livelihood of conservation camps is in jeopardy due to ongoing state budget cuts and prisoner realignment programs. In the past, the two agencies had what was described at the meeting as a "gentlemen's agreement," where both sides would help each other out with different projects.

The T.U.D. Board voted 5-0 to reimburse the Baseline Conservation Camp in the form of material goods or supplies equal to the sum of $200 per day, per crew, when they perform work. It also helps fund the CAL Fire Captain that is always onsite with the crews. T.U.D. Board members stated that this is a good deal for the District, and a way to keep expenses low during tough budget times.

Crews have been instrumental in helping T.U.D. over the winter months, notably with storm cleanup. During the summer months, baseline crews typically stay busy helping to suppress wildland fires in the region.
Source:  mymotherlode.com  - Link

California Fire News 2012 

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Floods: Tips for Preparing for a Flood, Evacuating, Cleaning up #CaFlood

 Monitor the radio or television for weather updates. Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor’s home if your home is damaged, or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel. Gather your emergency supply kit and stay tuned to local radio or TV stations for updates.

Tips for Preparing for a Flood

• Contact your local county geologist or county planning department to find out if your home is located in a flash-flood-prone area or landslide-prone area.
• Learn about your community’s emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes and locations of emergency shelters.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.  Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood.  Make sure everyone in your family has their contact information.
• Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.
• Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people or anyone with a disability.
• Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the flood strikes.  Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines or before you evacuate.  Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate.  Secure structurally unstable building materials.
• Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where it is and how to use it.
• Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
• Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation.
• For drains, toilets and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.
• Anchor fuel tanks which can contaminate your basement if torn free.  An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses.

During a Flood Watch or Warning

• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary.
• Have your immunization records handy or be aware of your last tetanus shot, in case you receive a puncture wound or a wound becomes contaminated during the flood.
• Fill bathtubs, sink and plastic soda bottles with clean water.  Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach.  Rinse and fill with clean water.
• Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside or tie them down securely.
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and make sure the emergency kit for your car is ready.
• If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
• Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
• Put livestock and family pets in a safe area.  Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
• Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

If You Are Ordered to Evacuate

You should never ignore an evacuation order.  Authorities will direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area, or within the greatest potential path of the rising waters.  If a flood warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area:

• Take only essential items with you.
• If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity and water.
• Disconnect appliances to prevent electrical shock when power is restored.
• Follow the designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic.
• Do not attempt to drive or walk across creeks or flooded roads.

If You Are Ordered NOT to Evacuate

Flood Recovery - How to Avoid Illness

Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in flood cleanup activities and after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage.  If you receive a puncture wound contaminated with feces, soil or saliva, ask a doctor or health department whether a tetanus booster is necessary.

How to Make Sure Your Food is Safe

Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.  For infants, use only pre-prepared canned baby formula that requires no added water, rather than powdered formulas prepared with treated water.  Thawed food can usually be eaten or refrozen if it is still “refrigerator cold,” or if it still contains ice crystals.  To be safe, remember, “when in doubt, throw it out.”  Discard any refrigerated or frozen food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

How to Make Sure Your Water is Safe

Listen for public announcements on the safety of the municipal water supply.  Flooded, private water wells will need to be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede.  Questions about testing should be directed to your local health department.

Safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled or treated water.  Your local health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.  Remember these general rules concerning water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene.

• Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice or make baby formula. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash your hands.
• If you use bottled water, be sure it came from a safe source. If you do not know that the water came from a safe source, you should boil or treat it before you use it. Use only bottled, boiled or treated water until your supply is tested and found safe.
• Boiling water, when practical, is the preferred way to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most organisms.
• When boiling water is not practical, you can treat water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets or unscented household chlorine bleach (5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite).
• If you use chlorine tablets or iodine tablets, follow the directions that come with the tablets.
• If you use household chlorine bleach, add 1/8 teaspoon (~0.75 mL) of bleach per gallon of water if the water is clear. For cloudy water, add ¼ teaspoon (~1.50 mL) of bleach per gallon. Mix the solution thoroughly and let it stand for about 30 minutes before using it.

Note: Treating water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets or liquid bleach will not kill parasitic organisms. 

 Use a bleach solution to rinse water containers before reusing them.  Use water storage tanks and other types of containers with caution.  For example, fire truck storage tanks and previously used cans or bottles may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals. 

How to Handle Animals and Mosquitoes

Many wild animals may be forced from their natural habitats by flooding, and many domestic animals may also be without homes after a flood.  Take care to avoid these animals.  Do not corner an animal.  If an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control authorities.  If you are bitten by any animal, seek immediate medical attention.  If you are bitten by a snake, first try to accurately identify the type of snake so that, if poisonous, the correct anti-venom may be administered.

Contact your local or state health and agricultural officials for state guidelines on disposal of dead animals.  Protect yourself from mosquitoes: use screens on dwellings, wear long-sleeved and long-legged clothing, and use insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin. 

How to Deal With Chemical Hazards

Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter during flood recovery.  Flood waters may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or other industrial chemicals from their normal storage places.  If any propane tanks (whether 20-lb. tanks from a gas grill or household propane tanks) are discovered, do not attempt to move them yourself.  These represent a very real danger of fire or explosion, and if any are found, police or fire departments or your State Fire Marshal’s office should be contacted immediately.  Car batteries, even those in flood water, may still contain an electrical charge and should be removed with extreme caution by using insulated gloves.  Avoid coming in contact with any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car battery.

How to Deal with Electric and Gas Utilities

Electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions until it is safe to use them.  Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns or torches.  If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows and leave the house immediately.  Notify the gas company or the police or fire departments or State Fire Marshal’s office, and do not turn on the lights or do anything that could cause a spark.  Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in water.  All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before using them.  You should have a certified electrician check these items if there is any question.  Also, remember not to operate any gas-powered equipment indoors.

How to Clean Up

Walls, hard-surfaced floors and many other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to five gallons of water.  Wash all linens and clothing in hot water, or dry clean them.  For items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, air dry them in the sun and then spray them thoroughly with a disinfectant.  Steam clean all carpeting.  If there has been a backflow of sewage into the house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup.  Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wall coverings, cloth, rugs and drywall.

 Information adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Source info: http://bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov/EPO/BeInformed/NaturalDisasters/Floods.htm

California Fire News 2011 

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Lake Tahoe: Prescribed fire operations today in Angora fire area

 Prescribed fire operations resume today in Angora fire area

U.S. Forest Service fuels management crews will continue prescribed fire operations in the Angora fire area near Mule Deer Circle today, March 15, 2012. Crews will be burning piles of logs left from the mechanical thinning operation last year. Operations will continue through the end of the week and through the weekend, weather and conditions permitting.

Residents and visitors can expect to see smoke from this prescribed fire project area and smoke may be visible on Lake Tahoe Blvd. The Forest Service strives to minimize the impacts of smoke on local communities. Smoke-sensitive residents should consider staying indoors and keeping doors, windows and outside vents closed. To directly receive prescribed fire updates, send an email to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us.

Forest Service staff will post road signs around areas affected by prescribed fire, and update the local fire information line at (530) 543-2600, #6. Other federal, state and local fire management agencies may also be conducting prescribed fire work during this period.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu.
To learn more about the efforts to reduce catastrophic wildfire risks in the Tahoe Basin read the Lake Tahoe Basin Multi-jurisdictional Fuel Reduction Plan found at http://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_045864.pdf
Take a few moments to visit an excellent web site and learn about Prescribed Fire vs. Wildfire at: http://www.smokeybear.com/prescribed-fires.asp.
U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
35 College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 543-2815
laherron@fs.fed.us

California Fire News 2011 

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San Jose: Firefighter injured battling 4-alarm blaze

 The firefighter fell through a portion of the roof that had been cut opened to fight the blaze.
 A veteran San Jose firefighter became engulfed in flames and suffered burn injuries to both hands, his waist and below his waist while battling a four-alarm blaze at a four-unit townhouse, according to a fire captain.


 The injured firefighter fell halfway through the roof after the edge of the hole collapsed, Van Elgort said. The firefighter, who was wearing safety gear, became engulfed in flames.
The firefighter suffered serious burns to one hand, Van Elgort said.
"He is completely engulfed in fire," Van Elgort said.
San Jose fire Capt. Mary Gutierrez said the injured firefighter suffered a serious burn to one hand and burns to his other hand, his waist and below his waist.
 The injured firefighter is being treated at a hospital.
Firefighters say the blaze at a townhouse on Underwood Drive might have turned fatal if not for a Good Samaritan who pulled a woman out of a lower-level unit. San Jose fire Capt. Mike Van Elgort credited a man with saving the life of a woman in the first-floor unit where the fire started.
The neighbor pulled the woman out of her home.
"He probably saved a life by getting her out before she had been overcome by smoke of flame," Van Elgort said.
Seventeen people, including eight children, were displaced by the fire which ripped through the townhouse on Underwood Drive, a street lined with similar residences off Boyton Avenue.
Info Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_20179625/san-jose-firefighter-injured-battling-3-alarm-blaze

California Fire News 2011 

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Coffee Break Training: techniques for improved safety during emergency vehicle operations

 Year after year, a leading cause of onduty firefighter deaths is from
vehicle crashes. These should be among the most preventable types for
all emergency responders.

What Can Be Done?

Selection and Training —Have a selection process on who drives emergency vehicles as well as those who are allowed to respond in their own personally owned vehicle (POV). Ensure adequate training for all who drive emergency vehicles. 

 The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator
Professional Qualifications specifies the job performance requirements for personnel who drive and operate fire apparatus. In addition, NFPA 1451, Standard for a Fire Service Vehicle Operations Training Program establishes minimum requirements in this area. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Emergency Vehicle Operator Course, and similar courses, provides classroom and operational (driving range) instruction. For POVs, training that details relevant safety procedures and your State law/motor vehicle code related to personal vehicle response should be provided.

Seatbelts —There is no reason that anyone driving or riding as a passenger in any fire department vehicle
or personal vehicle should not be wearing a seatbelt.

Slow Down —Slower means safer in any fire department vehicle or while responding in a POV. A good
safety guideline is not to exceed the posted speed limit. Drive even slower when road conditions or
visibility are poor.

Stop—When driving an emergency response vehicle, always stop at intersections with a negative right of
way. Proceed through these intersections and railroad crossings only after coming to a complete stop and
when you are sure that other vehicles have stopped and given you the right of way. Never assume that
another vehicle is aware of your presence. Today’s vehicles have noise insulation, powerful radios, and
air conditioning that lessens the effectiveness of horns and sirens. Dark tinted windows may also impact
the ability of drivers to see emergency lights.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has developed the numerous initiatives, programs, and partnerships
aimed to prevent vehicle crashes.

View them at: www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/research/safety/vehicle.shtm

California Fire News 2011 

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Los Angeles Fire Chief Addresses 9-1-1 Response Times

Los Angeles Fire Chief Addresses 9-1-1 Response Times

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 |  Posted by LAFD Media and Public Relations

On March 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM, Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings addressed LAFD's 9-1-1 response times...

"As we transitioned to our current Deployment in early 2011, we were also transitioning to a different methodology for calculating performance data. At every point in the process, we have been consistent in using a single method for comparison.

Information provided by this Department to the public and city government has been accurate.

I fully support the integrity of Captain Mark Woolf and Retired Captain Bill Wells.

The statistical data that each of these Officers have provided on LAFD response times have been valid and accurate.

In the past, (2008), the LAFD’s response times were calculated by hand and measured using 5:59 seconds as a benchmark.

Chief Millage Peaks, Fire Chief at the time, made the decision to align the LAFD’s data analysis with the NFPA’s 5 minute turnout and travel time recommendation. This would align the LAFD with the national recommendation.

I have confidence in our response times and welcome an audit.

The data is the data.

With increased number of incidents, 22 fewer units to respond, workload has increased. There has been an impact on response times and company availability. This deployment was planned to minimize that impact. We are constantly assessing the deployment, analyzing our data and do plan to make adjustments as necessary.

On February 28, 2012, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) moved our 9-1-1 dispatching facility, known as the Operations Control Division (OCD) from City Hall East, to the City’s new Emergency Operations Center. This new dispatch facility is called Metro Fire Communications (Metro).

This historic move from an underground cold war era facility to a technologically advanced communications center was funded when the voters of Los Angeles approved Proposition “Q”.

The Los Angeles Fire Department operates the busiest fire department 9-1-1 dispatch center west of the Mississippi, processing over 800,000 calls per year.

Currently, the 9-1-1 phone system is operating properly, and we are receiving emergency calls as they come in.

The Fire Department radio system is working across our 460 square mile jurisdiction.

The Computer Aided Dispatch system is running as normal, reaching each of our 106 neighborhood fire stations.

However, shortly after the move to Metro, the Dispatch Communications Network that connects the city’s fire stations to Metro, experienced periods of instability, resulting in the intermittent delivery of audible voice dispatches to the fire stations.

Thankfully, there are supplemental notification systems in place to notify firefighters at the fire station when a incident comes in, they include:

Tones that sound
Fire phones that ring
A dispatch print out
Lights that turn on
Station bells that ring

These systems have been operating normally.

The LAFD’s dispatch system is working 99% of the time. However it is this 1% of the time that we are in the process of remedying.

On March 7, 2012 at approximately 10:00 A.M. the Dispatch Communications Network experienced a sudden slow down in data throughout. Simply put, the calls were not reaching the fire stations. The Commanding Officer at Metro Fire Communications ordered the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to be bypassed which required a systematic transition into “manual mode”. This means our dispatchers had to manually process calls and track LAFD resources. This also required our neighborhood fire stations to monitor their radios for dispatch information, establishing a process called “Radio Watch.”

Coinciding with the transition to the manual mode Metro experienced an elevated level of incoming calls. This caused the processing times for some calls to be extended and resulted in a delay in responses, specifically involving two of the more than 1000 incidents handled by the LAFD that day.

These calls are currently under review by the Commanding Officers at Metro Fire Communications.

Engineers from the City’s Information Technology Agency (ITA) have been working with a private network engineering firm through the weekend to remedy the problem.

The dispatch communications network is a 20 year old system that the Department is seeking to replace.

I must commend the firefighters in the field, the firefighter dispatchers at Metro Fire Communications, the Department's civilian staff and ITA for their vigilance in trying to remedy the problem, ensuring that our resources are responding a quickly as possible when the emergency calls come in."
Los Angeles Fire Chief Addresses Response Times


Source: LAFD Blog - Link
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Sacramento State Arson Suspect Sought By CALFIRE, ATF

Arson suspect still unknown

The two fires set in Mariposa and Mendocino halls at Sacramento State on Oct. 13 are still under investigation and the suspect remains unknown.
Nearly two months after the fires, CAL-Fire declared the fires were set on purpose as arson attacks. Since then, the University Police Department has investigated the incident along with CAL-Fire and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
“We know the fires were ruled as arson, but we are still looking into them to get to the bottom of it,” said University Police spokesman Scott Christian. “We have to follow up with the leads of the case, so it’s still under active investigation on our end.”
Christian said these investigations are hard to assign a timetable to because of the many variables in catching the suspect.
The first fire was reported in Mendocino Hall and firefighters and police officers responded. Minutes later, another fire was reported in Mariposa Hall and more fire engines responded to the scene. Another fire started in a trashcan near the tennis courts, but it was quickly extinguished.
It has been more than five months since the fires were started, but the investigation still has not found the suspect.
Source: statehornet.com Link

California Fire News 2011 

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LAFD admits exaggerating response times

  A new report finds that the Los Angeles Fire Department for years released misleading data on its response times.

Department statisticians have been calculating responses using 6-minute formula, even though federal guidelines use 5-minute standard.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Fire Department has been releasing data that make it look like firefighters were responding more quickly than they actually were, the agency's top officials admitted Friday.

Department statisticians have been calculating responses using a six-minute formula, even though federal guidelines use a different standard requiring that first responders arrive in less than five minutes 90 percent of the time, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The exposure came when local mayoral candidate Austin Beutner wrote an online column blaming his opponents for budget cuts affecting fire service.

The flawed data said that in 2008, the department responded to medical emergencies within five minutes 86 percent of the time. In 2011, after the recent budget cuts, the department met that standard only 59 percent of the time.

Corrected data shows that the department actually hit the five-minute goal only 64 percent of the time in 2008 and 60 percent of the time in 2011, according to the Los Angeles Times.

A former department statistician, retired Capt. Billy Wells, said he followed the department's longstanding tradition of using a six-minute response standard.

The statistician after him, Capt. Mark Woolf, said he continued using that formula for a while.

"I didn't want to touch that [extra] minute because I knew the data would take a dump," he told the Los Angeles Times.

Fire Department spending has been reduced more than 15 percent in recent years, and about a quarter of the city's 106 fire stations have eliminated staffing for fire trucks or ambulances, according to the Times.
Pat McOsker, president of the local firefighters union, complained of his members being run ragged, aging dispatch equipment and a rise in units trying to respond to emergencies at the same time in the same station area. Fire Chief Brian Cummings has promised to shift some apparatus around next month, but McOsker doesn't think that is the solution.

"The way to solve this problem is to reopen resources, not to reshuffle the deck," he said. "We're not giving people the best chance to survive these things."

Fire Chief Brian Cummings said his department's performance has only increased by a few seconds — still pretty good, considering the 16 percent budget reduction it has seen recently.

"I need the public to be reassured that we're going to get there and get there in a timely matter," he said.

California Fire News 2011 

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FEMA: National Civilian Community Corps (CNCS) devoted solely to FEMA disaster response

New FEMA-AmeriCorps Partnership Strengthens Response, Recovery Efforts Following Disasters

WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) today announced an innovative new partnership designed to continue to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to and recover from disasters while expanding career opportunities for young people.

FEMA Corps is an historic collaboration which will create a new unit of AmeriCorps' National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) whose members will be devoted solely to FEMA disaster response, and recovery efforts. The five-year agreement provides for a full service corps of 1,600 members annually who will be an additional workforce in support of FEMA's current disaster reserve workforce.

"The initiative we're launching today underscores our commitment to shared responsibility and strong partnerships to help communities across the United States more effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters of all kinds," said Secretary Napolitano. "This new partnership will help us respond to disasters in a way that is cost-effective, and that draws on the strengths of our communities and our people."

This new effort will promote an ethic of national service and civic engagement by mobilizing corps members and community volunteers to provide critical disaster services. Once trained by FEMA and CNCS, members will provide support in areas ranging from working directly with disaster survivors to supporting disaster recovering centers to sharing valuable disaster preparedness and mitigation information with the public. The first members will begin serving in August 2012 and the program will reach full capacity within 18 months.

"This new partnership is important for many reasons but none more important than the positive impact it will have on disaster survivors," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "FEMA Corps will strengthen the nation's disaster response by providing a dedicated, trained and reliable workforce-to support disaster survivors and impacted communities during their greatest time of need. At the same time, we hope to inspire a generation of young people to take up careers in emergency management."

"By opening up new pathways in emergency management, this partnership will give thousands of young people the opportunity to serve their country and gain the skills and training they need to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow," said Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service Robert Velasco. "This is a historic new chapter in the history of national service that will enhance our nation's disaster capabilities and promote an ethic of national service while achieving significant cost savings for the taxpayer."

The NCCC members will strengthen the Nation's disaster response capacity and increase diversity of the disaster workforce, while providing educational and economic opportunities for young people as they consider their future careers. FEMA Corps members will serve for a 10 month term with an option to extend for a second year. The program will prepare thousands of young people for careers in emergency management and related fields. During their service, they will gain significant training and experience in disaster services and will provide important support to disaster survivors.

"President Obama has made it clear that government alone can't solve all our problems," said Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz. "But government has a vital role to play and the program we're announcing today is a perfect example of a government that's leaner, more efficient, and making a difference in people's lives."

"This new partnership between FEMA and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will be crucial in supporting cities, counties and states in their time of need," said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox. "I commend FEMA and CNCS for understanding that to effectively respond during a crisis, we have to extend beyond political, geographical and even bureaucratic boundaries to ensure all resources are made available to the citizens we serve."

While strengthening the nation's disaster response capacity with a trained and reliable resource, this initiative will achieve significant cost savings for taxpayers. When the program is at full operational capability, and in an average disaster year, the initiative is expected to see a savings of approximately $60 million in a year. Moreover, as a partnership between CNCS and FEMA, the program represents a smart modernization of government operations. Rather than creating duplicative structures, this collaboration will advance the President's management goals of working across government, managing across sectors, and promoting efficiency.

To learn more about FEMA Corps or to apply (individuals aged 18-24), please see the AmeriCorps website http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/nccc.asp or FEMA's website at www.fema.gov.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
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Beaumont police and firefighters raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Association

 Public Safety to Take Tips for Muscular Dystrophy Association

  Beaumont police and firefighters will help raise money Thursday for the Muscular Dystrophy Association by waiting on tables and donating their tips to the non-profit health agency.

The fundraiser is scheduled 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday March 15 at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 1585 E. 6th St.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, muscular dystrophies are a group of more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles that control movement.

Some forms of muscular dystrophy are seen in infancy or childhood, while others may not appear until middle age or later.

Services for children with muscular dystrophy are available at the Pediatric Neurology & Genetics Clinic, Loma Linda University Health Care, 2195 Club Center Drive, Suite A, in San Bernardino. Telephone (909) 558-2383.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and related diseases by funding worldwide research, according to its website. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

California Fire News 2011 

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CAL FIRE purchases encrypted push to talk (PTT) and group text messaging

 Editors Opinion: Why does CAL FIRE need encrypted Blackberry communications? how can we afford such extravagant purchases with current budget problems?
Just because a technology exists does not mean it is needed!


CAL FIRE purchases encrypted real time push to talk (PTT) and group text messaging:  

SLA Corporation is Awarded U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Contract for Enterprise Secure Chat

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- SLA Corporation today announced it has been awarded a GSA Contract for their Enterprise Secure Chat (ESChat), an encrypted real time push to talk (PTT) and group text messaging product that is carrier agnostic, and features cross carrier communications. SLA's ESChat is the only secure PTT and group text messaging product available today.

Initially field tested with the U.S. Air Force in 2007, SLA's suite of PTT products has evolved to meet the communication needs of tomorrow's business, government and military. The GSA contract provides a vehicle for Federal State and Local agencies to purchase ESChat at pre-negotiated rates. The ESChat product line benefits customers with AES-256 voice encryption, secure group text messaging, PC based dispatch clients, and gateways for tactical land mobile radio (LMR) networks.

SLA's ESChat provides a complete push to talk solution for the business, government and military environment. One of the first government agencies to experience ESChat's end to end solution is the California Department of Forestry (Cal Fire). Cal Fire operates under contract to many Counties in the State of California, acting as the County Fire Department. In San Luis Obispo, the Cal Fire team immediately recognized the value in adding ESChat to their existing BlackBerry devices.

"We are very pleased to have been awarded the GSA Contract," said Josh Lober, President of SLA Corporation. "SLA's ESChat is the most full featured real-time PTT product available. Receiving the GSA contract validates our extensive efforts and makes our product easily accessible to qualifying government agencies."

ESChat is available on standard mobile phones, smartphones, personal computers and tablets, and is supported on the Brew, BlackBerry, Android, Linux and Microsoft Windows operating systems. ESChat service is currently available across North America for government and enterprise business customers. Commercial customers can purchase ESChat from SLA Corporation through its commercial website; Government customers can purchase ESChat via the GSA Advantage website.

California Fire News 2011 

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LACFD: EARTHQUAKE SIMULATOR VANS READY FOR SERVICE

 Supervisor Antonovich Joins School Children for Test Run of County’s New “Shakey-Quakey” Schoolhouse

WHO: Michael D. Antonovich
Los Angeles County Supervisor
Fire Chief Daryl Osby
Los Angeles County Fire Department
WHAT: Unveiling of three new Yogi Bear “Shakey-Quakey” Schoolhouse Vans and a demonstration and Earthquake Preparedness event
WHEN: Monday, March 12, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Elliot Middle School
2184 N. Lake Ave.
Altadena, CA 91001

ALTADENA –To help young people prepare for the next earthquake, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich will host students from Elliot Middle School in Altadena as they experience “a real earthquake” as he unveils three new Yogi Bear “Shakey-Quakey” Schoolhouse Van earthquake simulators.
 Capable of reproducing an 8.0 temblor, the simulator is a trailer-mounted version of a schoolhouse with desks and a chalkboard that provides children the realistic experience of an actual 3.5 earthquake -- complete with falling objects and sounds. Informational packets on earthquake safety and preparation will also be available.

Founded in 1923, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is an international leader of the fire service as one of the largest emergency service agencies in the world. Each day, more than 900 emergency responders are on duty to provide fire protection, life safety and environmental protection services to more than four million residents and commercial businesses in Los Angeles County’s 2,296-square-mile area.
 When called into action following major international disasters, the Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team responds around the globe as members of California Task Force 2. Once back in Los Angeles County, these same elite responders can be found at work in hometown neighborhoods in 58 cities and unincorporated areas.
 The Department proudly continues to be a frontrunner in firefighting technology, offering specialized training opportunities in Urban Search and Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Materials, Air Operations and Homeland Security.
 Behind the scenes, more than 800 dedicated business professionals help carry out the mission.

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