Sunday, February 28, 2010

Earthquake: 4.1M OKLAHOMA

Globe with Earthquake Location

4.1 Mw - OKLAHOMA

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude 4.1 Mw
Date-Time
  • 27 Feb 2010 22:22:27 UTC
  • 27 Feb 2010 16:22:27 near epicenter
  • 27 Feb 2010 14:22:27 standard time in your timezone
Location 35.557N 96.747W
Depth 3 km
Distances
  • 9 km (6 miles) SE (132 degrees) of Sparks, OK
  • 10 km (6 miles) NW (326 degrees) of Prague, OK
  • 15 km (9 miles) ENE (64 degrees) of Meeker, OK
  • 72 km (45 miles) E (83 degrees) of Oklahoma City, OK
  • 307 km (190 miles) N (1 degrees) of Dallas, TX
Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 4.6 km; Vertical 6.5 km
Parameters Nph = 67; Dmin = 40.8 km; Rmss = 0.97 seconds; Gp = 43°
M-type = Mw; Version = 8
Event ID US 2010tfe4 ***This event has been revised.
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information Center U.S. Geological Survey http://neic.usgs.gov/
Disclaimer

LACFD: Air Operations selects Becker Avionics

LA County Fire Department Air Operations selects Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio and Intercom System to complete Fleet Retrofit
Thursday, February 25, 2010 - Becker Avionics

Becker Avionics Inc., the leader in Digital Audio and Intercom Systems is pleased to announce that the Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations Section has selected its DVCS6100 Digital Audio and Intercom System to complete their Fleet Audio/Intercom System Retrofit Program. The additional DVCS6100 systems will be installed in their three Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk and six Bell Helicopter B412 aircraft over the next several months.
Brett Gardner, Director of Sales and Marketing stated “The Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations Section relies on the Becker DVCS6100 system to provide the flexibility the Department's helicopter crews require to conduct their Firefighting, EMS, Search and Rescue, and Swift Water / Ocean Rescue Missions both day and night. An important attribute of our Digital Audio system is the ability to handle multiple radios with a pilot and crewmember driven, man-machine interface. This increases safety and mission effectiveness. Critical weight is saved with the Digital system versus legacy analog systems. This is a definite plus in the high performance world of these types of operations. Cleaner audio input can leave the crew more attentive and focused at the end of a long mission when performance can make the difference between a non-event and a much more serious outcome.”
About the DVCS6100 Digital Audio SystemThe DVCS6100 has been designed for both rotary and fixed-wing applications, and fully reflects Becker Avionics' proven know-how of more than four decades in audio system development for the aerospace industry. Since the market introduction of the 1st DVCS generation, almost 600 systems have been delivered and have achieved outstanding field reliability. Becker's continuous product improvement program has made the DVCS6100 another Becker Avionics success story.
The system is superior to any analog system available, as it offers crystal-clear voice communication quality, a proven Man-Machine-Interface (MMI), outstanding reliability, as well as scalability and flexibility since the system is fully software configurable. The main system components of the DVCS6100 system are the Remote Electronic Unit (REU) 6100, the Audio Control Unit (ACU) 6100, and the Intercom Amplifier IS3100.
The DVCS6100 offers up to 8 communication transmit (TX) and up to 8 receiver (RX) channels, an integrated warning tone generator for up to 8 different signals, an amplifier for 2 cockpit speakers, as well as interfaces to 2 Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR) and a Public Address Amplifier (PA).
Up to 6 Audio Control Units can be operated together with one remote module. Any unit can be configured with dedicated software to give complete adjustment across different on-board systems. The system also meets the highest standards for night operation under NVG and military conditions. The ACU 6100 is available with NVIS green (MIL-STD Green B) and white Backlight and offers emergency and slaved mode operation. The DVCS6100 therefore represents a unique mission support tool that easily outperforms the competition.
Becker Avionics' DVCS6100 is a best-in-class digital audio product and is the world-wide leader in certified digital intercoms!
About Becker AvionicsBecker Avionics is a privately held high-tech company that develops, manufactures and distributes the latest communications, navigation, surveillance and search & rescue equipment for airborne and ground applications.
Becker Avionics has a longstanding history of over 50 years in providing equipment to General and Corporate Aviation, ATC, law enforcement and military organizations around the world. In order to support international market requirements the Company has established branches around the world. Becker Avionics supports an extensive customer base, such as, but not limited to Eurocopter, EADS, Airbus, British Aerospace, ATR, CASA, RUAG, Xi'an Aircraft Corporation, AgustaWestland, Pilatus, German Air Force, Navy and Army, German Border Patrol, German Police, Austrian Army and Police, Swiss Air Force, Dutch Police, Security Civil, Irish Air Corps, Egyptian Navy, Indonesian Navy, Portuguese Air Force, US Army, US Air Force, US Navy and US Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol, etc. For more information see: http://www.beckerusa.com/ or http://www.becker-avionics.com/.

WFF: NASCAR Design contest - Vote today!

Don't Forget To Vote For the Wildland Firefighter Foundation Themed NASCAR Design ..
Don't forget to vote each day for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation themed NASCAR Sprint Cup design.

To vote: CLICK HERE .


Share this with your friends and family by clicking the small envelope below. As of today, there are only 14 days left to vote.

NOAA: NWR - Weather Radio All Hazards

NOAA Weather Radio Now Numbers - 1000 Transmitters!
Mark Trail 
Champions NOAA Weather RadioNOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Working with the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Alert System , NWR is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, NWR also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards – including natural (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages).
Known as the "Voice of NOAA's National Weather Service," NWR is provided as a public service by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce. NWR includes 1000 transmitters, covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Territories. NWR requires a special radio receiver or scanner capable of picking up the signal. Broadcasts are found in the VHF public service band at these seven frequencies (MHz):

162.400
162.425
162.450
162.475
162.500
162.525
162.550

NCFD: FIRE ENGINE ROLLED, NO SERIOUS INJURIES, 3 HOSPITALIZED

No Firefighters Seriously Injured After Fire Engine Rolls Down Embankment

Who:  Napa County Fire Department engine rolled off a steep embankment while responding to a call early Saturday morning.
Injuries: All three firefighters were transported to Queen of the Valley Hospital in an ambulance for medical evaluation and hospitalized with no serious injuries.One of the three firefighters suffered a minor shoulder injury. All three have since been released from the hospital.
Why: .The engine was responding to a report of a tree down in the Deer Park area of unincorporated Napa County just north of St. Helena when the right wheels of the engine veered off the roadway on a narrow, unlit street at about 1:30 a.m., according to Napa County Fire Marshal Pete Munoa.
What: The fire engine rolled 360 degrees down a steep embankment, traveling about 40 feet before crashing into a pine tree, .The three firefighters were able to extricate themselves.

RANCHO BERNARDO - SAR - MISSING PERSON

Missing: Chelsea King, 17 year old female student - $5,000 reward 

Description: Chelsea is white, 5 feet 5 inches tall and 115 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. 

 
































 HAVE YOU SEEN ME, CHELSEA KING?
Where: ."The Sheriff's Department and search and rescue teams are concentrating in the same area they have been," Caldwell said. "They haven't stopped. They've been here (searching) the entire time."
Search teams including helicopters and divers Saturday combed a large area in and around Lake Hodges.

 Last seen Info:Chelsea hasn't been seen since she left the school Thursday afternoon for a run on the trails around Lake Hodges at Rancho Bernardo Community Park, The hiking trails where Chelsea disappeared have been closed to the public since the search began..She routinely ran four to six miles along the web of trails on the southern shores of Lake Hodges. Her car, a black BMW, found in the community center parking lot on West Bernardo Drive after school Thursday parked in preparation for her run, said Caldwell, the sheriff's spokeswoman. She did not return to her locked car, Caldwell said.
Volunteers can begin registering at 9 a.m. and throughout the afternoon Sunday at the Rancho Bernardo United Fire Recover Center, 11858 Rancho Bernardo Court in Rancho Bernardo.
Those interested in volunteering with the group can call 858-485-8502.
Reward: The Deputy Sheriff's Association of San Diego County announced Saturday that it is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to Chelsea's whereabouts. The 2,100-member group is headquartered near Poway High School.
SAR: a volunteer group based in Texas, the Laura Recovery Center, has set up the Chelsea King Search Center at 11858 Bernardo Plaza Drive. The Laura Recovery Center describes itself as a group that works to "prevent abductions and runaways and to recover missing children by fostering a triangle of trust among law enforcement, community and missing child's family."
Hundreds of volunteer searchers, limited to those age 18 and above with valid identification, were dispatched to sites around North County on Saturday. The effort was coordinated with the Sheriff's Department.
Volunteers stood in line waiting to be assigned a search location.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Sheriff's Department at 858-565-5200.

Earthquake: 4.4 M - OKLAHOMA

Globe with Earthquake Location

4.4 M - OKLAHOMA

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude 4.4 M
Date-Time
  • 27 Feb 2010 22:22:27 UTC
  • 27 Feb 2010 16:22:27 near epicenter
  • 27 Feb 2010 14:22:27 standard time in your timezone
Location 35.623N 96.762W
Depth 3 km
Distances
  • 5 km (3 miles) ENE (74 degrees) of Sparks, OK
  • 9 km (6 miles) S (179 degrees) of Davenport, OK
  • 15 km (9 miles) SE (130 degrees) of Chandler, OK
  • 72 km (44 miles) ENE (77 degrees) of Oklahoma City, OK
  • 314 km (195 miles) N (0 degrees) of Dallas, TX
Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 14.1 km; Vertical 3.8 km
Parameters Nph = 68; Dmin = 72.4 km; Rmss = 1.48 seconds; Gp = 64°
M-type = M; Version = 6
Event ID US 2010tfe4
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information Center U.S. Geological Survey http://neic.usgs.gov/
Disclaimer

CZU: Lockheed Fire investigation - Unattended fire


Unattended fire caused wildfire near Santa Cruz

FELTON, Calif.—State officials say hot embers from an unattended fire was the cause of a wildfire that burned 12.5 square miles in the Santa Cruz Mountains last summer. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on Friday announced the results of their investigation into the Lockheed Fire, which started on Aug. 12, 2009 about 10 miles north of Santa Cruz.
The wind-driven fire forced the evacuation of more than 2,200 people in the communities the Swanton and Bonny Doon, which is home to several wineries.
The fire, which burned for more than a week, destroyed one outbuilding and damaged two others.

Source: Mercury news - Article link

Saturday, February 27, 2010

California: Tsunami Advisory #17 ISSUED AT 2241Z 27 FEB 2010

TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 017
PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER/NOAA/NWS
MEASUREMENTS OR REPORTS OF TSUNAMI WAVE ACTIVITY

THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO AREAS WITHIN AND BORDERING THE PACIFIC
OCEAN AND ADJACENT SEAS...EXCEPT ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA...
WASHINGTON...OREGON AND CALIFORNIA.

... A WIDESPREAD TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT ...

A TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR

 CHILE / PERU / ECUADOR / COLOMBIA / ANTARCTICA / PANAMA /
 COSTA RICA / NICARAGUA / PITCAIRN / HONDURAS / EL SALVADOR /
 GUATEMALA / FR. POLYNESIA / MEXICO / COOK ISLANDS / KIRIBATI /
 KERMADEC IS / NIUE / NEW ZEALAND / TONGA / AMERICAN SAMOA /
 SAMOA / JARVIS IS. / WALLIS-FUTUNA / TOKELAU / FIJI /
 AUSTRALIA / HAWAII / PALMYRA IS. / TUVALU / VANUATU /
 HOWLAND-BAKER / NEW CALEDONIA / JOHNSTON IS. / SOLOMON IS. /
 NAURU / MARSHALL IS. / MIDWAY IS. / KOSRAE / PAPUA NEW GUINEA /
 POHNPEI / WAKE IS. / CHUUK / RUSSIA / MARCUS IS. / INDONESIA /
 N. MARIANAS / GUAM / YAP / BELAU / JAPAN / PHILIPPINES /
 CHINESE TAIPEI

THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AS ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.  ONLY
NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE
DECISIONS REGARDING THE OFFICIAL STATE OF ALERT IN THEIR AREA AND
ANY ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN RESPONSE.

AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

 ORIGIN TIME -  0634Z 27 FEB 2010
 COORDINATES -  36.1 SOUTH   72.6 WEST
 DEPTH       -   55 KM
 LOCATION    -  NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE
 MAGNITUDE   -  8.8

MEASUREMENTS OR REPORTS OF TSUNAMI WAVE ACTIVITY

 GAUGE LOCATION        LAT   LON    TIME        AMPL         PER
 -------------------  ----- ------  -----  ---------------  -----
 NUKUALOFA TO         21.1S 175.2W  2024Z   0.10M /  0.3FT  62MIN
 KAWAIHAE HAWAII      20.0N 155.8W  2211Z   0.52M /  1.7FT  24MIN
 BARBERS PT HI        21.3N 158.1W  2140Z   0.19M /  0.6FT  76MIN
 KAUMALAPAU HAWAII    20.8N 156.9W  2136Z   0.18M /  0.6FT  56MIN
 KAHULUI MAUI         20.9N 156.5W  2147Z   0.98M /  3.2FT  22MIN
 NAWILIWILI KAUAI     22.0N 159.4W  2151Z   0.28M /  0.9FT  44MIN
 PAGO PAGO AS         14.3S 170.7W  2132Z   0.66M /  2.2FT  12MIN
 MONTEREY HARBOR CA   36.6N 121.9W  2031Z   0.32M /  1.1FT  56MIN
 SANTA MONICA CA      34.0N 118.5W  2035Z   0.41M /  1.4FT  32MIN
 SANTA BARBARA CA     34.4N 119.7W  2029Z   0.22M /  0.7FT  48MIN
 SAN DIEGO CA         32.7N 117.2W  2036Z   0.13M /  0.4FT  20MIN
 APIA UPOLU WS        13.8S 171.8W  2018Z   0.16M /  0.5FT  16MIN
 RAROTONGA CK         21.2S 159.8W  1907Z   0.15M /  0.5FT  24MIN
 ACAPULCO MX          16.8N 99.9W 1931Z     0.62M /  2.0FT  26MIN
 DART SAN DIEGO 4641  32.2N 120.7W  1931Z   0.06M /  0.2FT  24MIN
 LOTTIN PT NZ         37.6S 178.2E  1934Z   0.15M /  0.5FT  10MIN
 RAROTONGA CK         21.2S 159.8W  1918Z   0.32M /  1.0FT  06MIN
 CABO SAN LUCAS MX    22.9N 109.9W  1833Z   0.36M /  1.2FT  12MIN
 DART TONGA 51426     23.0S 168.1W  1844Z   0.04M /  0.1FT  30MIN
 HIVA OA MARQUESAS     9.8S 139.0W  1741Z   1.79M /  5.9FT  12MIN
 PAPEETE TAHITI       17.5S 149.6W  1810Z   0.16M /  0.5FT  10MIN
 NUKU HIVA MARQUESAS   8.9S 140.1W  1745Z   0.95M /  3.1FT  04MIN
 MANZANILLO MX        19.1N 104.3W  1705Z   0.32M /  1.0FT  24MIN
 DART MANZANILLO 434  16.0N 107.0W  1611Z   0.07M /  0.2FT  24MIN
 RIKITEA PF           23.1S 134.9W  1559Z   0.15M /  0.5FT  22MIN
 DART MARQUESAS 5140   8.5S 125.0W  1531Z   0.18M /  0.6FT  18MIN
 QUEPOS CR             9.4E  81.2W  1416Z   0.24M /  0.8FT  52MIN
 BALTRA GALAPAGS EC    0.4S  90.3W  1452Z   0.35M /  1.2FT  14MIN
 EASTER CL            27.2S 109.5W  1205Z   0.35M /  1.1FT  52MIN
 ANCUD CL             41.9S  73.8W  0838Z   0.62M /  2.0FT  84MIN
 CALLAO LA-PUNTA PE   12.1S  77.2W  1029Z   0.36M /  1.2FT  30MIN
 ARICA CL             18.5S  70.3W  1008Z   0.94M /  3.1FT  42MIN
 IQUIQUE CL           20.2S  70.1W  0907Z   0.28M /  0.9FT  68MIN
 ANTOFAGASTA CL       23.2S  70.4W  0941Z   0.49M /  1.6FT  52MIN
 DART LIMA 32412      18.0S  86.4W  0941Z   0.24M /  0.8FT  36MIN
 CALDERA CL           27.1S  70.8W  0843Z   0.45M /  1.5FT  20MIN
 TALCAHUANO CL        36.7S  73.4W  0653Z   2.34M /  7.7FT  88MIN
 COQUIMBO CL          30.0S  71.3W  0852Z   1.32M /  4.3FT  30MIN
 CORRAL CL            39.9S  73.4W  0739Z   0.90M /  2.9FT  16MIN
 SAN FELIX CL         26.3S  80.1W  0815Z   0.53M /  1.7FT  08MIN
 VALPARAISO CL        33.0S  71.6W  0708Z   1.29M /  4.2FT  20MIN

 LAT  - LATITUDE (N-NORTH, S-SOUTH)
 LON  - LONGITUDE (E-EAST, W-WEST)
 TIME - TIME OF THE MEASUREMENT (Z IS UTC IS GREENWICH TIME)
 AMPL - TSUNAMI AMPLITUDE MEASURED RELATIVE TO NORMAL SEA LEVEL.
        IT IS ...NOT... CREST-TO-TROUGH WAVE HEIGHT.
        VALUES ARE GIVEN IN BOTH METERS(M) AND FEET(FT).
 PER  - PERIOD OF TIME IN MINUTES(MIN) FROM ONE WAVE TO THE NEXT.

EVALUATION

 SEA LEVEL READINGS CONFIRM THAT A TSUNAMI HAS BEEN GENERATED
 WHICH COULD CAUSE WIDESPREAD DAMAGE. AUTHORITIES SHOULD TAKE
 APPROPRIATE ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS THREAT. THIS CENTER WILL
 CONTINUE TO MONITOR SEA LEVEL DATA TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT AND
 SEVERITY OF THE THREAT.

 A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF WAVES AND THE FIRST WAVE MAY NOT BE THE
 LARGEST. TSUNAMI WAVE HEIGHTS CANNOT BE PREDICTED AND CAN VARY
 SIGNIFICANTLY ALONG A COAST DUE TO LOCAL EFFECTS. THE TIME FROM
 ONE TSUNAMI WAVE TO THE NEXT CAN BE FIVE MINUTES TO AN HOUR, AND
 THE THREAT CAN CONTINUE FOR MANY HOURS AS MULTIPLE WAVES ARRIVE.

 FOR ALL AREAS - WHEN NO MAJOR WAVES ARE OBSERVED FOR TWO HOURS
 AFTER THE ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL OR DAMAGING WAVES HAVE NOT
 OCCURRED FOR AT LEAST TWO HOURS THEN LOCAL AUTHORITIES CAN ASSUME
 THE THREAT IS PASSED. DANGER TO BOATS AND COASTAL STRUCTURES CAN
 CONTINUE FOR SEVERAL HOURS DUE TO RAPID CURRENTS. AS LOCAL
 CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE A WIDE VARIATION IN TSUNAMI WAVE ACTION THE
 ALL CLEAR DETERMINATION MUST BE MADE BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

BULLETINS WILL BE ISSUED HOURLY OR SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.
THE TSUNAMI WARNING WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

THE WEST COAST/ALASKA TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER WILL ISSUE PRODUCTS
FOR ALASKA...BRITISH COLUMBIA...WASHINGTON...OREGON...CALIFORNIA.

Cal EMA: State Operation Center activated in Response to Chilean Tsunami

Cal EMA Activates State Operation Center in Response to Chilean Tsunami


MATHER – The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) has activated the State Operations Center (SOC) and its Coastal and Southern Regional Emergency Operations Centers (REOC) in response to the Tsunami Advisory for the immediate coast California following the 8.8 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Chile.
“It’s important that we’re closely coordinating with coastal communities and state agencies here in California to ensure they have the information they need to warn the public and prepare for any effects of this tsunami,” said Secretary Matthew Bettenhausen.  “We’re also in close contact with federal agencies to ensure California stands ready to provide assistance to Chile after this powerful and devastating earthquake.  Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones in this disaster.”
Along California’s coastline, significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.
A “Tsunami Advisory” means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected – as opposed to a more serious “Tsunami Warning,” which is issued as a means of providing an advance alert to areas that could be severely impacted by destructive tsunami waves.
Cal EMA emergency managers are working closing with local, state and federal partners to monitor the tsunami activity and to coordinate resources should response assistance be requested.
California Emergency Management Agency Actions
  • The California State Operations Center (SOC) was opened in Sacramento at 11:00 am
  • The Southern Emergency Operations Center in Los Alamitos and the Coastal Emergency Operations Center in Oakland are also open to coordinate with coastal counties and emergency management officials
  • Cal EMA is working with California State Parks and other related agencies to ensure public notifications are being made in state parks.  Some parks have temporarily closed.
  • Cal EMA is participating in conference calls with the West Coast Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WCATWC) periodically during this event
  • The California State Warning Center continues to monitor the situation and has made all required notifications to state and local public safety agencies
  • Cal EMA is working with Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IX to be ready for any international calls for assistance
Source: CAL EMA News release: Link
For more information about this incident, please visit www.calema.ca.gov

HAWAII: UPDATED - TSUNAMI WARNING #6

BULLETIN
TSUNAMI MESSAGE NUMBER   6
NWS PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER EWA BEACH HI
1246 AM HST SAT FEB 27 2010

TO - CIVIL DEFENSE IN THE STATE OF HAWAII

SUBJECT - TSUNAMI WARNING

A TSUNAMI WARNING IS ISSUED FOR THE STATE OF HAWAII EFFECTIVE AT
1246 AM HST.

AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

   ORIGIN TIME - 0834 PM HST 26 FEB 2010
   COORDINATES - 36.1 SOUTH   72.6 WEST
   LOCATION    - NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE
   MAGNITUDE   - 8.8  MOMENT

MEASUREMENTS OR REPORTS OF TSUNAMI WAVE ACTIVITY

 GAUGE LOCATION        LAT   LON    TIME        AMPL         PER
 -------------------  ----- ------  -----  ---------------  -----
 IQUIQUE CL           20.2S  70.1W  0906Z   0.27M /  0.9FT  72MIN
 ANTOFAGASTA CL       23.2S  70.4W  0941Z   0.49M /  1.6FT  52MIN
 ARICA CL             18.5S  70.3W  1007Z   0.94M /  3.1FT  44MIN
 DART LIMA 32412      18.0S  86.4W  0941Z   0.24M /  0.8FT  36MIN
 CALDERA CL           27.1S  70.8W  0843Z   0.45M /  1.5FT  20MIN
 TALCAHUANO CL        36.7S  73.4W  0653Z   2.34M /  7.7FT  88MIN
 COQUIMBO CL          30.0S  71.3W  0852Z   1.32M /  4.3FT  30MIN
 CORRAL CL            39.9S  73.4W  0739Z   0.90M /  2.9FT  16MIN
 SAN FELIX CL         26.3S  80.1W  0815Z   0.53M /  1.7FT  08MIN
 VALPARAISO CL        33.0S  71.6W  0708Z   1.29M /  4.2FT  20MIN

 LAT  - LATITUDE (N-NORTH, S-SOUTH)
 LON  - LONGITUDE (E-EAST, W-WEST)
 TIME - TIME OF THE MEASUREMENT (Z IS UTC IS GREENWICH TIME)
 AMPL - TSUNAMI AMPLITUDE MEASURED RELATIVE TO NORMAL SEA LEVEL.
        IT IS ...NOT... CREST-TO-TROUGH WAVE HEIGHT.
        VALUES ARE GIVEN IN BOTH METERS(M) AND FEET(FT).
 PER  - PERIOD OF TIME IN MINUTES(MIN) FROM ONE WAVE TO THE NEXT.

EVALUATION

 A TSUNAMI HAS BEEN GENERATED THAT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE ALONG
 COASTLINES OF ALL ISLANDS IN THE STATE OF HAWAII. URGENT ACTION
 SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT LIVES AND PROPERTY.

 A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF LONG OCEAN WAVES. EACH INDIVIDUAL WAVE
 CREST CAN LAST 5 TO 15 MINUTES OR MORE AND EXTENSIVELY FLOOD
 COASTAL AREAS. THE DANGER CAN CONTINUE FOR MANY HOURS AFTER THE
 INITIAL WAVE AS SUBSEQUENT WAVES ARRIVE. TSUNAMI WAVE HEIGHTS
 CANNOT BE PREDICTED AND THE FIRST WAVE MAY NOT BE THE LARGEST.
 TSUNAMI WAVES EFFICIENTLY WRAP AROUND ISLANDS. ALL SHORES ARE AT
 RISK NO MATTER WHICH DIRECTION THEY FACE. THE TROUGH OF A TSUNAMI
 WAVE MAY TEMPORARILY EXPOSE THE SEAFLOOR BUT THE AREA WILL
 QUICKLY FLOOD AGAIN. EXTREMELY STRONG AND UNUSUAL NEARSHORE
 CURRENTS CAN ACCOMPANY A TSUNAMI. DEBRIS PICKED UP AND CARRIED
 BY A TSUNAMI AMPLIFIES ITS DESTRUCTIVE POWER. SIMULTANEOUS HIGH
 TIDES OR HIGH SURF CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE TSUNAMI HAZARD.

 THE ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIME IN HAWAII OF THE FIRST TSUNAMI WAVE IS

                     1119 AM HST SAT 27 FEB 2010

MESSAGES WILL BE ISSUED HOURLY OR SOONER AS CONDITIONS WARRANT.

Chile: 8.8 M - Major Earthquake - Destructive Pacific Tsunami

Chile: 8.8 magnitude  -  Major Earthquake Destructive Tsunami
---------------------------------------

#EQChile Alert: Dawn breaking and the fact that this 8.8 earthquake & subsequent tsunami has cause massive damage, numerous deaths evident.

0300hrs: At least 54 confirmed dead, numbers expected to rise.
Major bridge reported down, many highways blocked, levees failures reported, Communications failures.

Alert: Large destructive tsunami generated in the Pacific basin with waves from 8' to 40' reported.

California is currently under Tsunami Advisory: The waves are expected to first reach La Jolla, California at 0:02 PM PST on February 27.

Chile suffered a 9.5 M in 1960

California: Tsunami Advisory is in effect due to 8.8 quake in Chile

 UPDATE: Tsunami Advisory: Max wave variation in California Southern & Central coastlines expected to be 2' max. less expected.

CA Tsunami Times: PORT SAN LUIS HARBOR-1235 PM/ SANTA BARBARA HARBOR-1231 PM /SANTA MONICA HARBOR-1225 PM/SAN PEDRO HARBOR-1215 PM
-----------

U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and British Columbia coastal regions
From: NOAA/NWS/West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
Subject: Tsunami Advisory #5 issued 02/27/2010 at 2:55AM PST

A Tsunami Advisory is in effect which includes the coastal areas of California from the California-Mexico border to the Oregon-California border.

A Tsunami Advisory is in effect which includes the coastal areas of Alaska from Kodiak, Alaska to Attu, Alaska.
This message is for Information Only for coastal areas of Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-California border to Kodiak, Alaska.

A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

At 10:34 PM Pacific Standard Time on February 26, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 8.8 occurred near the coast of central Chile . (Refer to the United States Geological Survey for official earthquake parameters.) This earthquake has generated a tsunami which could cause damage to coastal regions in a warning or advisory. The waves are expected to first reach La Jolla, California at 0:02 PM PST on February 27. Estimated tsunami arrival times and maps along with safety rules and other information can be found on the WCATWC web site.

A tsunami has been observed at the following sites:

Location Lat. Lon. Time Amplitude
------------------------ ----- ------ ------- -----------

42min Antofagasta 23.3S 70.4W 0813UTC 0.46M/1.5ft
40min Iquique Chil 20.2S 70.2W 0848UTC 0.30M/ 1.0FT
28min Coquimbo Chi 29.9S 71.3W 0903UTC 1.27M/4.2 FT
40min Caldera Chil 27.1S 70.8W 0745UTC 0.52M/1.7 FT
47min Corral Chile 39.9S 73.4W 1013UTC 1.54M/5.1FT
40min Talcahuano C 36.7S 73.1W 0659UTC 1.89M/6.3FT
42min Valparaiso C 33.0S 71.4W 0859UTC 2.60M/8.7 FT
16min San Felix Ch 26.3S 80.1W 0808UTC 0.81M/2.7 FT

Time - Time of measurement.
Amp. - Tsunami amplitudes are measured relative to normal sea level. It is NOT crest-to-trough wave height. Values are given in both meters (M) and feet (FT).

Tsunamis can be dangerous waves that are not survivable. Wave heights are amplified by irregular shoreline and are difficult to forecast. Tsunamis often appear as a strong surge and may be preceded by a receding water level. Mariners in water deeper than 600 feet should not be affected by a tsunami. Wave heights will increase rapidly as water shallows. Tsunamis are a series of ocean waves which can be dangerous for several hours after the initial wave arrival. DO NOT return to evacuated areas until an all clear is given by local civil authorities.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach, Hawaii will issue messages for Hawaii and other areas of the Pacific outside the states and provinces listed above.

This message will be updated in 60 minutes or sooner if the situation warrants. The tsunami message will remain in effect until further notice. For further information stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, your local TV or radio stations, or see the WCATWC web site.

Chile Earthquake Aftershock: 6.9 M OFF COAST OF BIO-BIO, CHILI

Globe with Earthquake Location

6.9 Mb - OFF COAST OF BIO-BIO, CHILE

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude 6.9 Mb
Date-Time
  • 27 Feb 2010 08:01:24 UTC
  • 27 Feb 2010 03:01:24 near epicenter
  • 27 Feb 2010 00:01:24 standard time in your timezone
Location 37.654S 75.198W
Depth 39 km
Distances
  • 211 km (131 miles) WSW (244 degrees) of Concepcion, Chile
  • 252 km (157 miles) WNW (298 degrees) of Temuco, Chile
  • 293 km (182 miles) NW (324 degrees) of Valdivia, Chile
  • 617 km (384 miles) SW (220 degrees) of SANTIAGO, Chile
Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 8.0 km; Vertical 18.1 km
Parameters Nph = 333; Dmin = 527.7 km; Rmss = 1.10 seconds; Gp = 21°
M-type = Mb; Version = 6
Event ID US 2010tfa7
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information Center U.S. Geological Survey http://neic.usgs.gov/
Disclaimer

Friday, February 26, 2010

Major earthquake: REVISED: 8.8 M - OFFSHORE MAULE, CHILE

Globe with Earthquake Location

8.8 Mw - OFFSHORE MAULE, CHILE

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude 8.8 Mw
Date-Time
  • 27 Feb 2010 06:34:14 UTC
  • 27 Feb 2010 03:34:14 near epicenter
  • 26 Feb 2010 22:34:14 standard time in your timezone
Location 35.846S 72.718W
Depth 35 km
Distances
  • 104 km (65 miles) WSW (246 degrees) of Talca, Chile
  • 114 km (71 miles) NNE (15 degrees) of Concepcion, Chile
  • 321 km (200 miles) SW (215 degrees) of SANTIAGO, Chile
Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 7.2 km; Vertical
Parameters Nph = 255; Dmin = 988.0 km; Rmss = 1.12 seconds; Gp = 36°
M-type = Mw; Version = 7
Event ID US 2010tfan ***This event has been revised.
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information Center U.S. Geological Survey http://neic.usgs.gov/
Disclaimer

2010-02-27 06:34:17 (Mw 8.3) OFFSHORE MAULE, CHILE -35.8 -72.7 (2c449)

Globe with Earthquake Location

8.3 Mw - OFFSHORE MAULE, CHILE

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude 8.3 Mw
Date-Time
  • 27 Feb 2010 06:34:17 UTC
  • 27 Feb 2010 03:34:17 near epicenter
  • 26 Feb 2010 22:34:17 standard time in your timezone
Location 35.826S 72.668W
Depth 59 km
Distances
  • 99 km (61 miles) WSW (246 degrees) of Talca, Chile
  • 117 km (73 miles) NNE (17 degrees) of Concepcion, Chile
  • 317 km (197 miles) SW (215 degrees) of SANTIAGO, Chile
Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 10.6 km; Vertical 40.0 km
Parameters Nph = 220; Dmin = 999.9 km; Rmss = 1.09 seconds; Gp = 36°
M-type = Mw; Version = 6
Event ID US 2010tfan ***This event supersedes event AT00725245.

For updates, maps, and technical information, see:
Event Page
or
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

National Earthquake Information Center
U.S. Geological Survey
http://neic.usgs.gov/

Disclaimer

2010-02-27 06:56:03 (Ml 4.1) CENTRAL CALIFORNIA 36.1 -117.9 (2c449)

Globe with Earthquake Location

4.1 Ml - CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude 4.1 Ml
Date-Time
  • 27 Feb 2010 06:56:03 UTC
  • 26 Feb 2010 22:56:03 near epicenter
  • 26 Feb 2010 22:56:03 standard time in your timezone
Location 36.060N 117.885W
Depth 2 km
Distances
  • 6 km (4 miles) ENE (74 degrees) of Coso Junction, CA
  • 25 km (15 miles) SSE (156 degrees) of Olancha, CA
  • 32 km (20 miles) SSE (156 degrees) of Cartago, CA
  • 52 km (32 miles) NNW (339 degrees) of Ridgecrest, CA
  • 225 km (140 miles) N (8 degrees) of Los Angeles Civic Center, CA
Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 0.7 km; Vertical 0.9 km
Parameters Nph = 26; Dmin = 11.0 km; Rmss = 0.26 seconds; Gp = 180°
M-type = Ml; Version = 1
Event ID CI 14594996

For updates, maps, and technical information, see:
Event Page
or
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

CISN Southern California Management Center
Caltech Seismological Laboratory
U.S. Geological Survey

http://www.cisn.org/scmc.html

Disclaimer

2010-02-26 20:31:26 (Mw 7.0) RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN 26.0 128.4 (2c449)

Globe with Earthquake Location

7.0 Mw - RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude 7.0 Mw
Date-Time
  • 26 Feb 2010 20:31:26 UTC
  • 27 Feb 2010 05:31:26 near epicenter
  • 26 Feb 2010 12:31:26 standard time in your timezone
Location 25.965N 128.443E
Depth 22 km
Distances
  • 81 km (50 miles) ESE (106 degrees) of Naha, Okinawa, Japan
  • 461 km (286 miles) ENE (67 degrees) of Ishigaki-jima, Ryukyu Islands, Japan
  • 1290 km (802 miles) S (174 degrees) of SEOUL, South Korea
Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 9.0 km; Vertical
Parameters Nph = 35; Dmin = 0.0 km; Rmss = 1.34 seconds; Gp = 0°
M-type = Mw; Version = 7
Event ID US 2010teb2 ***This event supersedes event AT00721628.

For updates, maps, and technical information, see:
Event Page
or
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

National Earthquake Information Center
U.S. Geological Survey
http://neic.usgs.gov/

Disclaimer

LODD: Detective killed, officer critical in Calif. shooting during CAL FIRE arson arrest

Law enforcement officers attend to a colleague wounded in a shooting Thursday.Photo credit:  John Walker / The Fresno Bee

Update: Deputy Curtice a spokesman for the Fresno County Sheriffs office, confirmed that a few hours earlier a deputy had died from his wounds at Community Medical Center in Fresno. A second deputy “had serious wounds but is expected to survive,” Deputy Curtice said, and the other officer, a policeman from Reedley, a small city in the southern part of the county, was in critical condition. None of the three officers were identified, pending notification of next of kin. 
Deputy Sheriff Christian Curtice, said it was not clear if the suspect had taken his own life or had been killed in the volley of gunfire he exchanged with the police.

 Update:  Deputy Curtice said the two deputies were shot about 9:40 a.m. while assisting officials from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in an inquiry at the mobile home. The deputies had “attempted to make contact with the resident,” Deputy Curtice said, “and were met with gunfire.”

Alleged gunman found dead inside mobile home hours later


SANGER, Calif. - A gunman opened fire Thursday on authorities who tried to serve search warrants at his mobile home in central California, killing a sheriff's detective and critically wounding a police officer before barricading himself in the residence during a raging gunbattle.
A man believed to be the shooter was found dead several hours later in the home.
Another deputy was wounded by shrapnel in the shootout, The names of the three officers were not immediately released.
"We lost a good deputy sheriff today," Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said.
Hundreds of shots were fired after deputies and a state fire official arrived at the mobile home to serve the warrants connected to arson and shooting cases allegedly involving the gunman.
Mary Novack, who runs a convenience store across the highway, said authorities used a loudspeaker to repeatedly order someone inside to surrender then smashed down the door.
She saw deputies go inside before hearing gunfire.
"Oh my god, somebody's going to be dead," Novack recalled thinking at the time.
She later saw an officer on the ground.
Jim Stone, 46, who lives about 100 feet from the mobile home, said he was evacuated after the shooting erupted.
The police officer from the city of Reedley was wounded while responding to a call for backup after the deputies had been shot, Mims said.
Another wounded Fresno County deputy was in stable condition.
Authorities said the gunman lived with a woman in the mobile home located on sprawling rural property owned by another family in the village of Minkler.
The community of 30 people is located along the scenic highway to Kings Canyon National Park.
Source: MSNBC - Article Link
More info: NYT - Article Link

Thursday, February 25, 2010

LODD: Montclair Deputy Fire Marshal Timothy J. Bissett

LODD: Montclair Deputy Fire Marshal Timothy J. Bissett


LODD: Montclair Deputy Fire Marshal Timothy J. Bissett

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 09:40 PM PST

Earthquake: 4.1 M SOUTHERN ALASKA

Globe with Earthquake Location

4.1 Ml - SOUTHERN ALASKA

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude 4.1 Ml
Date-Time
  • 25 Feb 2010 14:01:22 UTC
  • 25 Feb 2010 05:01:22 near epicenter
  • 25 Feb 2010 06:01:22 standard time in your timezone
Location 61.967N 141.342W
Depth 17 km
Distances
  • 36 km (22 miles) ESE (109 degrees) of Chisana, AK
  • 81 km (50 miles) S (185 degrees) of Alcan Border, AK
  • 102 km (63 miles) NE (54 degrees) of McCarthy, AK
  • 450 km (280 miles) SE (132 degrees) of Fairbanks, AK
Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 0.4 km; Vertical 0.1 km
Parameters Nph = 47; Dmin = 124.1 km; Rmss = 1.14 seconds; Gp = 86°
M-type = Ml; Version = 1
Event ID AK 10035569
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Alaska Earthquake Information Center Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks http://www.aeic.alaska.edu
Disclaimer

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

LODD: Ontario Fire Battalion Chief Richard "Chip" Smith

LODD: Ontario Fire Battalion Chief Richard "Chip" Smith


LODD: Ontario Fire Battalion Chief Richard "Chip" Smith

Posted: 23 Feb 2010 12:00 AM PST

Ontario Firefighters Local 1430 and the Ontario Fire Department are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Battalion Chief Richard "Chip" Smith on February 21st, after a corageous battle with cancer.  He was 46 years old. 

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Video: Running the course at the CAL FIRE Academy - Week 5

CAL FIRE Fire Academy week 5

The Fire Academy conforms to standards for certification by the California Board of Fire Services.  Upon successful completion, I  will be academically qualified for state certification as a Fire Fighter I, and will have certifications for CDF Basic Fire Fighter, HazMat FRO, Low Angle Rescue, Swift Water Rescue Awareness, Confined Space Rescue Awareness, Vehicle Extrication – Basic Techniques, Fire Control 3, Rapid Intervention Crew Tactics, Terrorism Consequence Management, and Incident Command Systems 100 – 200.
The Academy started January 18, 2010 at 0700, and will be graduating May 27, 2010.




Be Safe - Remember Lessons Learned - and always watch your teams back.
Source: YouTube: Link
Source: Erik N Gustafson The adventures of my life! http://erikng.com/wp/

Weird News: CHP officer arrest's Battalion Chief for blocking the road at accident!

CHP officer should be a greeter at Wal-Mart! 
Here is the article from Firefighterclosecalls.com - The Secret List
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COP LOCKS UP BATTALION CHIEF FOR "BLOCKING" THE HIGHWAY:
==OTHER COPS PROVDE A DELICIOUS CAKE:

Last week (February, 15, 2010) on Highway 101 in Montecito, California there was a traffic crash and all the usual traffic crash attendees responded included the fire department, EMS and in this case, the California Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on the center divide, there were 2 vehicles involved, 6 patients, 1 known minor injury. The squad crew pulled past the fire engine, then it blocks the lane to provide a safe working area, (per FD SOP). Before we go further, it should be noted that the MFD normally have-and are quite proud of-the excellent relationship they enjoy daily with the CHP and area law enforcement officers. This is an isolated and rare incident.

At this point the recently assigned (very new to that area) CHP officer tells the Battalion Chief that the apparatus cannot block the lane because it will cause too much traffic backup, and to move the rig. The Battalion Chief tells him no, that he needs his crew protected until they take up from the run. About one minute from the time the BC goes on scene, the BC is now on the radio asking for a CHP supervisor to be sent to the scene. Next thing the crew saw was the CHP officer handcuffing/arresting the Battalion Chief.

At this point, the Firefighters had not even made patient contact yet. The CHP officer then goes to the Fire Captain and tells him the same thing, move the engine or "I am going to arrest you and the (Fire Engineer) as well". Then the CHP Officer called for a heavy tow truck to tow the fire apparatus off the freeway.

The Fire Captain finally gave in as the fire dispatcher warned him that the heavy tow was 2 minutes out. Within a few minutes, the CHP officers supervisor showed up and un-cuffed the Battalion Chief. The original arresting officer then went back over to the Battalion Chief and gave him an "obstructing a police officer with an investigation ticket".

Turns out the CHP officer just transferred from Bakersfield to that area less than 2 weeks ago. The picture on our home page is the Battalion Chief sitting handcuffed against the center guardrail. The ticket still stands and they haven't heard what is up with the CHP officer, but he never backed down. It seemed like he never felt like he did anything wrong. Seeya in Court.

So now, what is the next thing that should happen? Why, naturally, someone in the "public safety community" almost always attempts to "take the edge off" (lighten up the situation). Sooooo, some fun-loving Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Deputies stopped by the firehouse right after that incident with 2 cakes, and one had a file in it.
Are those SBSO Deputies funny or what!?
On a more serious note. the CHP Night watch Sergeant came over to the firehouse too and couldn't apologize enough. We're pretty sure this will be taken care of-both short term and long term.

Solution for any FD? Develop a plan way ahead of time involving Cops, Firefighters, EMS-everyone, so everyone is on the same sheet of music. WAY more Cops get struck than Firefighters-so we are protecting them as much as us. It's a win-win thing. And it saves the hassle of having to bake all those delicious cakes.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SHERIFF TTEO INCIDENT VIDEO: http://tinyurl.com/yzxb8wf

Source: The Secret list at Firefighterclosecalls.com/secret.php - Article

Monday, February 22, 2010

Earthquake: Revised - 4.4 M - KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA

Globe with Earthquake Location

4.4 Ml - KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude 4.4 Ml
Date-Time
  • 22 Feb 2010 23:29:42 UTC
  • 22 Feb 2010 14:29:42 near epicenter
  • 22 Feb 2010 15:29:42 standard time in your timezone
Location 56.847N 153.410W
Depth 18 km
Distances
  • 39 km (24 miles) S (189 degrees) of Old Harbor, AK
  • 47 km (30 miles) ESE (103 degrees) of Akhiok, AK
  • 84 km (52 miles) SSE (155 degrees) of Larsen Bay, AK
  • 526 km (327 miles) SSW (205 degrees) of Anchorage, AK
Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 0.9 km; Vertical 0.3 km
Parameters Nph = 52; Dmin = 42.4 km; Rmss = 0.67 seconds; Gp = 187°
M-type = Ml; Version = 2
Event ID AK 10034963 ***This event has been revised.
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Alaska Earthquake Information Center Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks http://www.aeic.alaska.edu
Disclaimer

Missing Person Search: "Growing Pains" - Boner missing

Actor who played Boner in "Growing Pains" missing

Police are asking for the public's help in locating actor Andrew Koenig, who had a recurring role on the 1980s sitcom "Growing Pains."
Vancouver police say Koenig was visiting friends in West Vancouver when he went missing. He was last seen on Feb. 14.
A statement released by the police department says Koenig "has recently been despondent and his family and friends are concerned for his well-being."
Koenig, 41, lives in Venice, Calif., but at one time lived in Vancouver. He is the son of Walter Koenig, who played Chekov on the "Star Trek" television series and movies.
On "Growing Pains" Koenig played Boner, a pal of star Kirk Cameron's character Mike

Source: AP - Link

Carlsbad Arson Fire: $5,000 reward for information regarding school fire.

ATF Offering $5,000 Reward in Arson Fire at Aviara Oaks Elementary School in Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Special Agent in Charge John A. Torres of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced today that a $5,000 reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for an arson which occurred at Aviara Oaks Elementary School, Carlsbad.
At approximately 1:20 a.m., on Feb. 3, 2010, a fire occurred at Aviara Oaks Elementary School located at 6900 Ambrosia Lane.  This fire damaged the teachers’ workstation/lounge and it is estimated to have caused over $250,000 in damages.
The Carlsbad Fire Department, the Carlsbad Police Department and ATF responded to the scene.  Fire investigators from the Carlsbad Fire Department determined that the fire was deliberately set.  Law enforcement personnel are working to locate suspects and determine a possible motive for the fire.
This senseless crime caused an unnecessary financial and emotional impact to Carlsbad, Torres said.  ATF is determined to protect our local communities, and we are hopeful that the public can assist us in providing information which may lead us to the person or persons responsible for this crime.
School safety is a top priority for Carlsbad, said Carlsbad Police Department Investigations Commander Kelly Cain.  We are working in a coordinated manner with federal authorities to identify those responsible for this crime.
Anyone with information on the crime should contact ATF at (888) ATF-FIRE or (888) 283-3473.
###

NPS News: National parks now subject to state and local firearms laws

New Firearms Law Takes Effect Today
National parks now subject to state and local firearms laws


New Law to Allow Loaded Guns in National Parks creates a safer environment for park visitors, Now the good guy's can carry not only the bad guy's!


 "The idea is that the same rule that applies on Main Street will apply to the national park. We will have a uniform federal rule that will make it easier for everyone to know the rule."

NOTE: ALL CALIFORNIA STATE AND LOCAL LAWS STILL IN EFFECT

WASHINGTON – A change in federal law effective Monday, February 22, allows firearms in many national parks. People who can legally possess firearms under federal and state law can now possess those firearms in the national parks in that state. The new law (Sec. 512 of P.L. 111-24) was passed by Congress and signed last May by the President.
Prior to February 22, firearms have generally been prohibited in national parks – except in some Alaska parks and those parks that allow hunting.

State and local firearms laws vary. Visitors who would like to bring a firearm with them to a national park need to understand and comply with the applicable laws. More than 30 national parks are located in more than one state, so visitors need to know where they are in those parks and which state’s law applies.

“For nearly 100 years, the mission of the National Park Service has been to protect and preserve the parks and to help all visitors enjoy them,” National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said. “We will administer this law as we do all others – fairly and consistently.”

NOTE: Federal law continues to prohibit the possession of firearms in designated “federal facilities” in national parks, for example, visitor centers, offices, or maintenance buildings. These places are posted with “firearms prohibited” signs at public entrances. The new law also does not change prohibitions on the use of firearms in national parks and does not change hunting regulations.

NOTE: Sec. 512 of P.L. 111-24, an amendment to the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009, also directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to follow state and local firearms laws in national wildlife refuges.

National Park websites have been updated to include links to state firearms laws to help visitors understand the law and plan accordingly.

Magnitude 4.7 - HAITI REGION Aftershocks continue in Haiti


Haiti Earthquake Details

Magnitude4.7
Date-Time
Location18.532°N, 72.643°W
Depth10 km (6.2 miles) set by location program
RegionHAITI REGION
Distances35 km (20 miles) W of PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti
125 km (75 miles) ENE of Les Cayes, Haiti
145 km (90 miles) SSW of Cap-Haitien, Haiti
1110 km (690 miles) SE of Miami, Florida
Location Uncertaintyhorizontal +/- 6.5 km (4.0 miles); depth fixed by location program
ParametersNST= 56, Nph= 56, Dmin=36.3 km, Rmss=1.17 sec, Gp= 50°,
M-type=body wave magnitude (Mb), Version=7
Source
  • USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Event IDus2010taau

Earthquake: 6.0 Mw TONGA REGION

Globe with Earthquake Location

6.0 Mw - TONGA REGION

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude 6.0 Mw
Date-Time
  • 22 Feb 2010 07:00:54 UTC
  • 22 Feb 2010 19:00:54 near epicenter
  • 21 Feb 2010 23:00:54 standard time in your timezone
Location 23.723S 175.980W
Depth 35 km
Distances
  • 296 km (184 miles) SSW (195 degrees) of NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga
  • 2829 km (1758 miles) WSW (251 degrees) of PAPEETE, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 8.7 km; Vertical
Parameters Nph = 148; Dmin = 999.9 km; Rmss = 0.95 seconds; Gp = 140°
M-type = Mw; Version = 9
Event ID US 2010taak ***This event has been revised.
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information Center U.S. Geological Survey http://neic.usgs.gov/
Disclaimer

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Keene, Kern County: Train Derailment w/ Tunnel Fire, Haz-Mat & Evacuations

Train Derailment with fire
Incident Time: 09:31:00 PM
Incident Date: 02-20-2010
Incident Location: Kern County near city of  Keene 18 miles east of Bakersfield.
Incident Type: Hazardous Materials Incident
Number of Personnel: 18

KEENE, CA - Saturday February 20th 2010 at approximately 9:31 P.M., a call was received by the Kern County Fire Department, for a train derailment at the entrance to tunnel 9, on the Tehachapi Loop south of Keene. 18 Kern County Firefighters responded to the incident assisted by Kern County Environmental Health Agency, Kern County Sheriff, CHP and Railroad crews.

Upon arrival, fire crews were faced with a cargo train with 2 tanker cars that had derailed at the entrance to tunnel 9. At least one of the tanker cars was involved in fire. According to the train manifest the tanker involved in fire was carrying alcohol.
Due to the nature of the toxic cloud, and as a precaution, local residents were evacuated for a 1 mile radius. A temporary shelter was set up at the Tehachapi High School.

Railway engineers uncoupled and removed the unaffected part of the train.

There were no reported injuries.

Source: KCFD Kern County Fire Department website News and incidents:  Link

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Larkspur: Two Marin County firefighters on a mission in Haiti

A pair of firefighters on Haiti front lines

Two men from the Larkspur Fire Department in California's Marin County feel drawn to go on their own to help in quake-devastated Haiti. Their acts of kindness are random and delivered first person.

Like strange pied pipers, the men often attracted a gaggle of children, intrigued by the sight of two white men hopscotching over open sewers and sidestepping the gigantic sows lying in piles of garbage along the streets. Some called out playfully after them, Blanc! Blanc!

While Cobb focused on medical attention, treating burns and cleaning wounds, Clark gave away hundreds of dollars a day. He tried to do so discreetly, giving mainly to the elderly and mothers. Though not religious men, they befriended a pastor at a church who was caring for a group of children and gave him a couple hundred dollars. They met a doctor who ran a clinic for the poor and gave him $500 -- enough, the physician told them, to let him treat 200 patients -- and, at the end of their stay, left him the unused medical supplies.

For two days they volunteered at a field hospital run by the University of Miami, where they assisted harried doctors in the pediatric ward, gently turning badly injured children to make their wounds accessible. To entertain one frightened child, Clark inflated a surgical glove and drew a smiley face on it.

"They just dove in and said, Put us to work,' " said A.J. Applewhite, a Dallas-based surgeon working at the hospital.

For all the highs, however, there were daily reminders of the serious limits to the help Cobb and Clark could offer. On their last day in Haiti, as they walked to visit a tent camp, a young man approached Cobb in the street.

"There are many people over there who need a lot of help," he said in broken English, pointing to a nearby neighborhood. "What can you do to help them?"

Cobb asked whether anyone needed medical attention. The man told him there were no injuries. "We need food. We need tents. We need a lot."

An older woman walked up to Cobb from the other side and started pleading in Creole, resting her hand on his elbow. "She's asking for a tent too," the man translated.

Clark had walked ahead. Literally surrounded by need, Cobb exhaled deeply.

"We're not the U.N. We're not anybody," he told the man, who stared at him intently. "We're just two firefighters from the United States walking around. I have no tents. I have nothing. I have a stethoscope. I can try to tell somebody about you guys, but I'm not sure anybody will listen to me."

He stopped and an awkward silence hung between the three. The man said something in Creole to the woman and they walked away.

"That has happened a hundred times a day," Cobb said. "I wish I had something to give them or knew how to get them on whatever list they need to be on for help."

Neither man denies that part of the reason they went to Haiti was for the sense of adventure that comes with being in the midst of such a historic catastrophe. They saw no contradiction, they said, between that and wanting to help, and emphasized that the survival skills and medical training they have as firefighters made them qualified to make such a trip.

"We keep our egos in check. But, sure, you want to be in the mix," Clark said. "We're firefighters. We want to be on the front lines of things." They cringed at the idea of anyone attempting a similar trip who was incapable of dealing with rough conditions or without the ability to help.

As they had promised Islande, the woman with the apparently broken ankle, Cobb and Clark returned a few hours later. They carried her down the embankment and hoisted her into the back of a pickup truck they had hired for a couple of dollars. As they were about to leave, a boy came running down a dirt path, pushing a wheelbarrow. In it was an elderly man, whose swollen knee was wrapped with green leaves and a dirty bandage.

Cobb jumped down and lifted the man into the truck. Clark banged on the roof and off they went. Another small victory.

Source: LA Times - Article link
Author: joel.rubin@latimes.com

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****REMINDER**** Every fire has the ability to be catastrophic. The wildland fire management environment has profoundly changed. Growing numbers of communities, across the nation, are experiencing longer fire seasons; more frequent, bigger, and more severe, fires are a real threat. Be careful with all campfires and equipment.

"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer." --Abraham Lincoln

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