CALFIRE special staffing pattern 85+mph Winds

 South Op's: All engines camps, dozers helicopters, battalion chiefs, information officers xpand ECC

California Fire News 2011 

San Francisco: Cal Fire Firefighter hit and run Suspect Video/Info

 Following article appeared in SFist: 

Suspect(s) Sought In Intentional Richmond District Hit-Run Attack

A former Marine and current Cal Fire firefighter who was intentionally hit by a car at the Shell gas station parking lot at Geary Boulevard on Thanksgiving morning remains in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

 Prior to the attack, and in classic trashed trash mode, the two got into a fight at a Jack in the Box at 11th Avenue and Geary Boulevard on Thursday, according to police.

Both dudes were separated. The victim left the restaurant. The suspect, still heated from the fast food showdown and his own stupidity, then climbed into his mind-numbingly tacky black Mazda CX-type SUV, a vehicle sporting tragic 12-spoke sport rims, and followed the victim to the gas station. He then plowed his SUV into the victim. Vile.

Police have released video of the suspect.

According to BCN (via SF Appeal), "the suspect was described as a mixed-race or Latino man, between 18 and 24 years old, with short black hair and a manicured beard."

Tips about the suspect's whereabouts can be directed to the SFPD anonymous tip line at 415-575-4444 or text-a-tip at TIP411.

Article Stolen From SFist: Link -> http://sfist.com/2011/11/28/suspects_sought_in_richmond_distric.phpby California Fire News 2011 

FIRE WEATHER WATCH LOS ANGELES & VENTURA COUNTIES

 [EDIS] Fire Weather Watch in effect from wednesday evening through friday afternoon for strong northeast winds and low relative humidity for the coasts and valleys of los angeles and ventura counties as well as the santa monica mountains.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LOS ANGELES/OXNARD HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

OTHER POTENTIAL IMPACTS WOULD INCLUDE DOWNED TREES AND POWER LINES AS WELL AS REDUCTIONS IN VISIBILITY DUE TO BLOWING DUST AND SAND. MOTORISTS ESPECIALLY THOSE OPERATING HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES SHOULD CLOSELY MONITOR UPDATES ON THIS POTENTIAL STRONG WIND EVENT AS TRAVEL CONDITIONS COULD BECOME HAZARDOUS LATER THIS WEEK.




 WINDS: AREAS OF NORTHEAST 25 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 65 MPH.
 RELATIVE HUMIDITY: LOWERING TO 10 TO 15 PERCENT.
 IMPACTS: THE COMBINATION OF VERY STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS WELL AS SUFFICIENTLY DRY FUELS SHOULD RESULT IN FAVORABLE CONDITIONS FOR RAPID FIRE GROWTH IF FIRE IGNITION OCCURS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Instruction:
A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OR FIRE CREWS IN THE FIELD OF THIS FIRE WEATHER WATCH. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS.

Area: VENTURA COUNTY COAST-LOS ANGELES COUNTY COAST INCLUDING DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES-VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS-SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATIONAL AREA-SANTA CLARITA VALLEY-LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN FERNANDO VALLEY-LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN GABRIEL VALLEY-

Affected Counties or parts of: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles


Sent: 2011-11-29T09:48:57-08:00
Original Sender: KLOX@nwws.oes.ca.govCalifornia Fire News 2011 

HIGH WIND WATCH SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON

HIGH WIND WATCH

  MARIPOSA, MADERA, AND FRESNO COUNTY FOOTHILLS, SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WED AFTERNOON 

THROUGH LATE THUR NIGHT.

 A HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WED AFTERNOON
THROUGH LATE THUR NIGHT FOR THE FOOTHILLS AND HIGHER
ELEVATIONS OF THE SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON.

* WINDS: NO. TO NE WINDS OF 20 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO
60 MPH. LOCALIZED GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 75 MPH ARE POSSIBLE
OVER RIDGES AND THROUGH WIND FAVORED CANYONS.

* TIMING: STRONG GUSTY WINDS WILL DEVELOP WED AFTERNOON
ANDINCREASE WED NIGHT. VERY WINDY CONDITIONS WILL
CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT.

* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: SHAVER LAKE, YOSEMITE VALLEY, MARIPOSA, OAKHURST

California Fire News 2011 

FIRE WEATHER WATCH LOS ANGELES & VENTURA COUNTIES

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LOS ANGELES/OXNARD HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR VERY STRONG NORTHEAST WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE MOUNTAINS OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES.

WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON. 


A COLD LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE OVER ARIZONA AND GENERATE STRONG NORTHEAST SANTA ANA WINDS OVER MOST OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES LATE WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH MOST OF FRIDAY.


 PEAK SUSTAINED WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO EXCEED 40 MPH OVER MUCH OF THE AREA.
WITH PEAK WIND GUSTS LIKELY EXCEEDING 60 MPH. 


THESE WINDS WILL ALSO HELP TO MAINTAIN LOW HUMIDITY READINGS ESPECIALLY OVER THE COASTS AND VALLEYS. ALTHOUGH THESE WINDS SHOULD WEAKEN BY FRIDAY EVENING...THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR ADDITIONAL ROUNDS OF GUSTY NORTHEAST WINDS OVER THE WEEKEND. ...


FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR STRONG NORTHEAST WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY 
WINDS: AREAS OF NORTHEAST 35 TO 55 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 80 MPH. 


RELATIVE HUMIDITY: LOWERING TO 10 TO 15 PERCENT. * IMPACTS... THE COMBINATION OF VERY STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS WELL AS SUFFICIENTLY DRY FUELS SHOULD RESULT IN FAVORABLE CONDITIONS FOR RAPID FIRE GROWTH IF FIRE IGNITION OCCURS. 


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
Instruction:
A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OR FIRE CREWS IN THE FIELD OF THIS FIRE WEATHER WATCH. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS.


Area: VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS / LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS / ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST-


Affected Counties or parts of: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles


Sent: 2011-11-29T09:48:56-08:00
Original Sender: KLOX@nwws.oes.ca.gov

California Fire News 2011 

HIGH WIND WATCH: WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA

HIGH WINDS

 WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING FOR THE WEST SLOPE OF THE SIERRA NEVADA INCLUDING WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY.

TIMING: BECOMING VERY WINDY WEDNESDAY...AND CONTINUING INTO THURSDAY.

WINDS: AREAS NORTHEAST WINDS 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH...AND 30 TO 50 MPH WITH GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH OVER REMOTE RIDGES. 

IMPACTS: POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGING WINDS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT. SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH... OR GUSTS OF 60 MPH OR STRONGER MAY OCCUR. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Area: WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY / LASSEN PARK - WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA

Affected Counties or parts of: Yuba, Plumas, Yolo, El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Sierra, Alpine, Shasta, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, Sacramento, Placer, Solano, Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Sutter, Lake, Tehama, Nevada

Sent: 2011-11-29T04:02:53-08:00
Original Sender: KSTO@nwws.oes.ca.gov

California Fire News 2011 

HIGH WIND WATCH - SANTA CLARITA VALLEY

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LOS ANGELES/OXNARD HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY - INCLUDING THE CITIES OF  SANTA CLARITA,  NEWHALL,  VALENCIA

 
WINDS AND TIMING: NORTHEAST CANYON WINDS WILL INCREASE OVERNIGHT WEDNESDAY...PEAK IN INTENSITY THURSDAY MORNING...DIMINISH A LITTLE THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING...AND THEN WILL RE-INTENSIFY FRIDAY MORNING. PEAK WIND GUSTS OF 60 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE BELOW FAVORED PASSES AND CANYONS.

 IMPACTS: WIND GUSTS THIS STRONG WILL BE ABLE TO TOPPLE TREES AND POWER LINES...BLOW OVER UNSECURED OUTDOOR OBJECTS SUCH AS LAWN FUR NATURE...AND CREATE HAZARDOUS CROSS WINDS FOR HIGHER PROFILE VEHICLES.

 PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT. SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH... OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR STRONGER MAY OCCUR. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS. MAKE A PLAN TO SECURE OR BRING INSIDE OUTDOOR OBJECTS.
Area: SANTA CLARITA VALLEY-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... SANTA CLARITA... NEWHALL... VALENCIA
Affected Counties or parts of: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles

Sent: 2011-11-29T04:03:52-08:00 Original Sender: KLOX@nwws.oes.ca.govCalifornia Fire News 2011 

Wx Alert: HIGH WIND WATCH / Santa Ana Wind Event

HIGH WIND WATCH

Very strong Santa Ana wind Event possible Thursday and Friday...

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LOS ANGELES/OXNARD HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WATCH...

WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON. 

AREA: VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS - LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS

HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON. 

WINDS AND TIMING: NORTH TO NORTHEAST CANYON WINDS WILL INCREASE OVERNIGHT WEDNESDAY...PEAK IN INTENSITY THURSDAY MORNING...DIMINISH A LITTLE THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING...AND THEN WILL RE-INTENSIFY FRIDAY MORNING. PEAK WIND GUSTS OF 70 TO 80 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE THROUGH AND BELOW FAVORED PASSES AND CANYONS.

 IMPACTS: WIND GUSTS THIS STRONG WILL BE ABLE TO TOPPLE TREES AND POWER LINES...BLOW OVER UNSECURED OUTDOOR OBJECTS SUCH AS LAWN FURNITURE...AND CREATE HAZARDOUS CROSS WINDS FOR HIGHER PROFILE VEHICLES. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT. SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH... OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR STRONGER MAY OCCUR. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS. MAKE A PLAN TO SECURE OR BRING INSIDE OUTDOOR OBJECTS.

 Instruction: A COLD LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE DOWN THE CALIFORNIA NEVADA STATE LINE OVERNIGHT WEDNESDAY. AT THE SAME TIME STRONG SURFACE HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD INTO THE GREAT BASIN. THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT THESE TWO SYSTEMS WILL ALIGN IN A WAY FAVORABLE FOR A VERY STRONG OFFSHORE WIND EVENT STARTING LATER WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND LASTING INTO FRIDAY AFTERNOON. PEOPLE IN THE WATCH AREA SHOULD MONITOR THE LATEST WEATHER FORECASTS FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS POTENTIALLY DAMAGING WIND EVENT.

  Area: VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS-LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... LOCKWOOD VALLEY... MOUNT PINOS... ACTON... MOUNT WILSON... SANDBERG

 Affected Counties or parts of: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles

Sent: 2011-11-29T04:03:51-08:00 Original Sender: KLOX@nwws.oes.ca.gov
California Fire News 2011 

Cal Fire Firefighter intentionally run over by a driver

PHOTO OF SUSPECT IN ATTEMPTED MURDER OF CAL FIRE FIREFIGHTER

 Family of a man critically injured Thursday when he was intentionally run over by a driver with whom he had quarreled is available right now for interviews at San Francisco General Hospital, according to San Francisco police.  The victim in the case is a firefighter who works for Cal Fire, and a Marine who recently returned from Iraq, said police spokesman Carlos Manfredi.  The public information officer for Cal Fire, John Cox, is also available at the hospital and can be reached by phone for comment and information on the victim and family.  The suspect and victim got into a physical fight at a restaurant on the corner of 11th Avenue and Geary Boulevard Earlier shortly before 2:45 a.m. on Thursday, police said Friday.  They were separated and both the suspect and victim left the restaurant. The victim walked to a gas station at Ninth Avenue and Geary Boulevard and the suspect got into his car.  Police said the suspect then drove into the gas station, intentionally struck the victim and drove away.  Police have released photos of the suspect. If  you have any information on the suspect please contact SFPD (415) 553-1651
.
California Fire News 2011 

CA-TCU: CAL FIRE Injured fire captain in stable condition

 Cal Fire captain Arrouzet is in stable condition after being severely injured while fighting a fire in Copperopolis earlier this month.

Sue Arrouzet, 45, of Tracy, sustained a serious back injury when part of a house that was on fire collapsed on Nov. 12. 

  Cal Fire was assisting the Copperopolis Fire Protection District with the structure fire on Glen Side Court. The fire was reported by the residents, who got out unharmed.

    Arrouzet, a 22-year Cal Fire employee, was injured when part of the burning roof collapsed on her, according to Cal Fire spokeswoman Julie Hutchinson.
    Arrouzet was transported by helicopter to Doctors Medical Center of Modesto in serious condition. She was later transferred to UC San Francisco Medical Center for further treatment, according to Hutchinson.
    Her condition has improved to stable within the past few days, Hutchinson said.
    “Everybody’s pulling for her to make a full recovery and get back to doing the job she loves,” Hutchinson said.
    Arrouzet was moved to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center on Tuesday to begin her rehabilitation.
    “Sue and her family are sincerely thankful for the generous well wishes and offers of monetary donations,” a Cal Fire news release said.
    Arrouzet has requested any monetary donations be made to the Ken Onstad Benevolent Fund, 785 Mountain Ranch, San Andreas, according to the news release. The fund was established in 1988 to provide Cal Fire Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit employees and their families with assistance in the event of injury, illness or tragedy. Cal Fire asked Arrouzet’s name be indicated on the donation.
    The cause of the fire that injured Arrouzet is still under investigation by the Copperopolis Fire Protection District with the assistance of investigators from Cal Fire, according to Jeff Millar, fire chief for the district.
    Millar said investigations into fires that cause major injuries usually take longer than others.
    “Whenever there is a serious injury, the investigators want to be very careful to exhaust every explanation for the fire,” he said.
    The Copperopolis Fire Protection District works closely with Cal Fire’s Copperopolis station on all fire calls, Millar said. In fact, the facilities for each department are across the street from each other.
    “They’re our partners, they’re our friends and, in a way, we feel like they’re part of our department,” he said. “So it’s like it happened to a member of our department as well.”
    Arrouzet’s direct supervisor, Mario Hernandez, a battalion chief for Cal Fire who oversees the Murphys, Altaville and Copperopolis stations, said he has worked with Arrouzet at the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit for the past 20 years.
    Hernandez is in constant contact with Arrouzet and her family and went to visit her on Tuesday when she was being moved to the rehabilitation center.
    “If you personally know Sue, then you know that the same excitement she had before the injury she still has now,” he said. “It doesn’t surprise any of us that she has continued her great attitude moving forward in her recovery.”
    He said she was taken around outside the rehab facility in a wheelchair to catch some sunshine when she first arrived.
    She has a large support network including eight siblings, four of whom are firefighters, and her father, who is a retired San Francisco firefighter, according to Hernandez.
    Hernandez said the fire that injured Arrouzet is a solemn reminder of the dangers firefighters face.
    “It’s always a distressing situation seeing it happen and then dealing with it,” he said. “It takes your breath away and makes you think about the job we do.”

SOURCE:  uniondemocrat.com - http://www.uniondemocrat.com/20111125105449/News/Local-News/Injured-fire-captain-in-stable-condition

California Fire News 2011 

CAL FIRE Siskiyou Holiday Cooking Tips

Siskiyou County —

With Thanksgiving here, the CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit wants to warn residents about the many dangers the holidays can pose.
The end of the year for most Americans means preparing for feasts, festivities and fun throughout the holiday season. But each year that joy is ruined by tragedy when accidents and fires cause injuries and even death.

Every holiday the number of emergencies CAL FIRE responds to increases, the release said.
To help reduce the chance of fire and injuries associated with holiday cooking, follow these tips offered by 

CAL FIRE Holiday Cooking Tips:

Cooking• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.
• If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Cooking food should always be supervised by an adult.
• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, a safe distance from buildings and other material that can burn. Never use on wooden decks or in garages.
• Children should not be permitted near a turkey fryer since hot oil can cause serious burn injuries.
• Provide a level surface that is free of ignitable materials when using turkey fryers.
• Make sure a fire extinguisher is handy at all times. Never use water to put out a grease fire.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles.

Candles
• Do not leave burning candles unattended or place them near flammable materials. Make sure they are in a secure place where children and pets won’t knock them over.
• Put candles in a non-tip candleholder before lighting them.
• Make sure all candles are extinguished before leaving the home or office and before going to bed. The most common area of origin for candle fires is the bedroom, then living rooms, bathrooms and the kitchen.

Lights
• Make sure all indoor and outdoor holiday lights bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory.
• Throw away any set of lights with cracked lights, frayed cords, or loose or damaged sockets.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets or run extension cords under carpets, across doorways or near heaters. Be sure extension cords aren’t pinched behind or under furniture, and unplug all decorative lights before leaving your home or going to bed.
• Never run extension cords across lawns, driveways or traffic areas. Power for all outdoor lighting should be supplied by permanent weatherproof wiring installed by a professional electrician.

Fireplaces
Before using a fireplace, have the chimney inspected by a professional for proper installation, cracks, blockages (bird nests), leaks or creosote build up. Creosote is a chemical substance that forms when wood burns; it accumulates in chimneys and can cause a chimney fire if not removed.
• Be sure to open the flue for adequate ventilation when using the fireplace.
• Always use a fire screen, and burn only material appropriate for fireplaces. Never burn trash or paper in a fireplace. Burning paper can float up the chimney and onto a home’s roof and can cause a fire.
• Remove ashes from the fireplace in a metal container and store them somewhere outside your home, and have a professional inspect and clean your fireplace, chimney or stovepipe annually.
For more information about fire safety, visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov or call the Siskiyou Unit at 842-3516.

California Fire News 2011 

TCU: FC listed in stable condition w/ back injury

Copperopolis, CA...Fire Captain Sue Arrouzet, who was injured just after 10:30PM, November 12, 2011, in a partial structural collapse, is listed in stable condition with a serious back injury. Captain Arrouzet has been moved to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center where she will start her rehabilitation process. Cards and well wishes may be sent to Sue Arrouzet, CAL FIRE TCU, 785 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, CA 95249....

Sue and her family are sincerely thankful for the generous well wishes and offers of monetary donations. If people wish to make monetary donations Sue has requested such donations be made to the Ken Onstad Benevolent Fund (KOBF), 785 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, CA 95249. Please indicate Sue’s name on your donation.

The Ken Onstad Benevolent Fund was established in 1998 to assist employees of the Tuolumne/Calaveras Unit of the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection. Its primary purpose is to provide immediate assistance to employees and their families in the event of injury, illness, or any other tragic event that may occur

California Fire News 2011 

BARTPD: Excessive Force Trial Begins Today

Former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle 

accused of using excessive force on an Oakland man three years ago.

Kenneth Carrethers, 43, claims Mehserle and the other officers violated his constitutional rights and injured him in a confrontation at BART's Coliseum/Oakland Airport station on Nov. 15, 2008.

The incident occurred six and a half weeks before Mehserle shot and killed an unarmed Hayward man, Oscar Grant, at BART's Fruitvale station on New Year's Day in 2009.

Excessive Force Trial Against Johannes Mehserle, Other BART Cops, Begins

Former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle and four current officers were in federal court in San Francisco today for the start of a civil trial in which they are accused of using excessive force on an Oakland man three years ago.

Kenneth Carrethers, 43, claims Mehserle and the other officers violated his constitutional rights and injured him in a confrontation at BART's Coliseum/Oakland Airport station on Nov. 15, 2008.

The incident occurred six and a half weeks before Mehserle shot and killed an unarmed Hayward man, Oscar Grant, at BART's Fruitvale station on New Year's Day in 2009.

Mehserle, who said he accidentally used his revolver when he had meant to use his Taser stun gun, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served about a year of a two-year sentence.

The current trial before an eight-member civil jury in the court of U.S. District Judge Edward Chen is expected to last about two weeks.

Carrethers is seeking unspecified financial compensation for alleged pain, humiliation, lost pay and medical expenses.

The incident occurred at about 10 p.m. as Carrethers was returning home from his job as a hotel engineer in San Francisco.

He claims that after Mehserle overheard him complaining that BART police were incompetent and failed to prevent vandalism to his car, Mehserle tackled him and then, along with the other officers, kicked and punched him, hog-tied him and carried him to a police car.

BART contends the officers used only reasonable and necessary force to control Carrethers after he appeared to be threatening violence.

BART attorney Dale Allen told the jury during his opening statement today, "Mehserle acted to stop an unprovoked assault on another officer."

The first witness called to the stand by Carrethers' lawyers was former BART Police Chief Gary Gee, who was questioned by attorney Christopher Dolan about the agency's policies toward riders who criticize police.

"People weren't supposed to get beaten for exercising their First Amendment free speech rights, were they?" Dolan asked.

"No, they're not," Gee answered.

Both sides have indicated they plan to call Mehserle and the other officers to the stand later in the trial.

By Julia Cheever, Bay City News
Source: http://sfappeal.com - Link - http://sfappeal.com/news/2011/11/excessive-force-trial-against-johannes-mehserle-other-bart-cops-begins.php?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

California Fire News 2011 #OpBART #OWS #A99

DHS: Give airwaves to public safety. #DBlock

DHS Pushes D Block Legislation At House Hearing

The Department of Homeland Security had a message for House lawmakers on Thursday: Give airwaves to public safety.

A DHS official testifying at a House hearing lobbied for the administration's stance on a public safety network for emergency responders, which has yet to win congressional approval.

"The administration is fully committed to working with Congress to ensure the passage of legislation that meets the critical national need of establishing a public safety broadband network," Chris Essid, director of the emergency communications office at DHS, told a House Homeland Security subpanel.

The administration wants Congress to devote a valuable chunk of spectrum known as the D Block to public safety agencies so they can build a national communications network. But some House Republicans would prefer to auction those airwaves to industry and build the the network with other frequencies.

The push from DHS comes as spectrum legislation remains held up over this dispute. Legislation could still potentially move through the commerce committees or through the super committee if lawmakers manage to break through the D Block divide.

That could be tough. Congressional Research Service telecom specialist Linda Moore, testifying at the hearing, pointed out the network dispute is rooted in disagreements on the role of government.

"Bills that have been introduced in the 112th Congress show a great deal of cohesion about the need for a nationwide network and what type of support it should provide to public safety agencies, but little agreement about the roles that different federal agencies would play in the deployment and operation of the network," she said in written remarks.

By Sara Jerome
November 17, 2011

Source: Tech Daily Dose - Link - http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2011/11/dhs-pushes-d-block-legislation.php
California Fire News 2011 

ALCO: Paramedics Exonerated in Drowning Case

Alameda County Fire Department Paramedics Exonerated in Drowning Case


Alameda (CA) Fire Department paramedics involved in the Memorial Day drowning death of an man did not act improperly, a state investigation found.


The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Emergency Medical Services Authority looked into citizen complaints against four paramedics in the AlamedaFire Department who were among those at Crown Beach on May 30 when Raymond Zack, 52, waded into the bay and drowned. Dozens of police, swimmers, and firefighters witnessed the incident.


Complaints filed with the state alleged that equipment used to resuscitate Zack failed, and that paramedics should have taken Zack to a trauma or cardiac center instead of the nearest hospital. Investigators concluded that the equipment did not fail, and paramedics were correct to take Zack to the nearest hospital.


This case has resulted in considerable scrutiny of firefighters and police officers who responded to the drowning, and news stories depicted responders as standing idly by while the victim died and citing a policy change that prevented water rescues. The fire department subsequently restarted water rescue training.

California Fire News 2011 

Mendocino National Forest: Christmas tree permits go on sale today

WILLOWS — Christmas tree permits go on sale in the Mendocino National Forest today. The permits have been available in the Lassen and Plumas national forests since Nov. 1.

Permits are $10 per tree at Forest Service offices and up to $11 each at private vendors. They will be sold through Dec. 16 and are good through Dec. 24.

The Mendocino Forest only accepts cash or check as payment and sales are final, with no refunds. Permittees will receive a tree tag and map of the forest.

There is a limit of one permit per household. Individuals must be 18 or older to purchase a permit.

To purchase a permit by mail, send a printed name and mailing address, a printed name and address for each permit purchased, a daytime telephone number, and a check or money order made out to "USDA Forest Service" for $10 to the Mendocino National Forest Supervisor's Office/Grindstone Ranger District Office, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA, 95988, with "Christmas Tree Permit" written on the outside of the envelope. Mail-in requests received after Dec. 13 will not be filled.

A form can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino, under "Passes & Permits" and the subcategory "Forest Products Permits."

Permit holders should be aware that federal and state quarantines to prevent the spread of sudden oak death are in effect for Lake and Mendocino counties.

Christmas tree permits can be purchased from the following forest offices for $10:

Mendocino National Forest Supervisor's Office/Grindstone Ranger District Office, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, 934-3316, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Stonyford Work Center, 5171 Stonyford-Elk Creek Road, 963-3128, 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday-Saturday.

These vendors also sell the permits for $11:

Nancy's Elkhorn Family Lodge, 2745 County Road 306, Elk Creek, 968-5312.

Sacramento River Discovery Center, 1000 Sale Lane, Red Bluff, 527-1196.

Stonyford General Store, 292 Market St., Stonyford, 963-3235.

Squaw Creek Inn & Resort, 4425 Sites Ladoga Road, Stonyford, 963-3483.

California Fire News 2011 

MMU: Home Heating Equipment Check List

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Chief Nancy B. Koerperich is reminding the public of the importance of annually inspecting home heating equipment. Cal Fire is dispatched to many home fires this time of year when the response could have been prevented by simple equipment maintenance procedures.

Below is a list of heating problems that are often overlooked.

When was the last time your flue was cleaned?

Chimney sweep vendors in the area can be found in our newspaperon the Internet and the yellow pages of our local phone book under "chimney cleaning." Also flue brushes can be rented from local vendors for a minimal charge. This is also a good time to inspect the firebox and flue for cracks and damage.

Inspect all home heating units for obstructions and operation.

When the heater is used for the first time during the fall or winter, it can lead to the question, "Do you smell something burning?" Cleaning the duct openings will reduce the chances of this happening. Also, check the floor grills and wall home heating grills for obstructions that may have been left there during the summer. This is also a good time to replace home heating unit filters.

Check all gas appliances.

Hundreds of people die each year in the United States from carbon monoxide poisoning. This toxic gas is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. To prevent your chances of becoming a statistic, gas appliance lines and venting must be checked for obstructions, leaks and wear or damage.

Home Heating

Any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential source of carbon monoxide. If you suspect that you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately. If possible, open all windows and doors to increase ventilation, turn off combustion appliance(s), and exit the house. If you ignore the gas leak you could lose consciousness and die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.

Use Fireplace safely.

Use only clean seasoned firewood. Do not burn paper or cardboard in the fireplace. Place a screen over the fireplace opening to prevent sparks from igniting flooring in front of the fireplace. Check the spark arrester over the chimney to be certain it is (1/2 mesh) to prevent sparks from igniting your roof.

Many fires this time of year are caused by negligent disposal of fireplace ashes. Fireplace ashes can be hot for a week or more and should be disposed of with extreme care. A metal pail or bucket should be used to remove the ashes from the home. After the ashes are outside, they should be mixed with water in the bucket and left well away from any combustibles.

Portable heaters pose many dangers.

Fuel fired heaters (usually kerosene) are illegal for use in California because they may deplete the oxygen supply in the home and cause asphyxiation. Portable electric heaters can cause fires when they come in contact with combustibles, such as towels, curtains, bed linens and toys. A safe distance when placing a space heater is at least three feet from any combustible material. California statutes of the Health and Safety code prohibit the sale of un-vented heaters designed for the use inside the house. Free standing heaters should have a "tip over" shut off switch.

Candles.

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always keep candles away from children. When placing your candle remember to keep it away from decorations, pets, bedding, and curtains. Never place your candle on any type of cloth, doily, or wood; it is safer to place the candle on a metal surface or container. Never use a candle near a tree or as a decoration on a tree. Always extinguish any flame before you go to sleep at night or leave your home.

Poorly maintained heating devices have caused many fires in the past. Please take a few minutes to check your heater, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and practice your fire exit drill, to insure your families' safety during the holidays.

California Fire News 2011 

LAFD: UST Technical Confined Space Rescue

Confined Space Rescue

3171 North Gaffey Street

Harbor City

Friday, November 18, 2011

TIME: 12:06 PM

INCIDENT #: 0595

HARBOR CITY - Two workers performing routine maintenance in a large underground tank, were rescued today after one fell and was injured, and the other followed him down trying to try to help.

At 12:06 pm on Friday, November 18, 2011, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a "Confined Space Rescue" at 3171 North Gaffey Street near Harbor City. A large response was dispatched and even more resources were called to the scene, when it was confirmed that two male employees were approximately 27 feet below ground and in need of help. The incident would require a very technical rescue to be performed by the LAFD's Urban Search & Rescue Team.
Once all technical aspects of this emergency operation were addressed and assembled by the nearly 80 personnel on-scene, two Firefighter/Specialists "made entry" and descended into the "50,000 barrel, fuel-storage tank." A 21 year-old, male employee was found conscious at the bottom of the tank with an injury to one of his lower extremities. He had apparently lost his balance attempting to install a piece of equipment in the tank, resulting in the fall. A male co-worker, of approximately the same age, was not injured as he attempted to assist in his colleague's misfortune. Once rescued, both were evaluated, treated and then transported to a local hospital for further observation.
While the entire incident took much longer, the "Confined Space Rescue" was accomplished in just over one hour. There were no other injuries reported. 

Dispatched Units: 

E38 RA38 E48 RA64 T48 E248 HR56 EM11 BC4 E85 T5 E205 RA5 UR88 BC6 E64 E285 

E5 EM6 DC2 SQ21 RA85 BC11 EM9 EM11 LO1 E49 RA57 H6 RM2 CM2 E21 SU1 

-- 
Matt Spence

Public Service Officer, "A" Platoon
Los Angeles Fire Department
200 N. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 485-5162

Emergency Public Information (EPI) Center

"Serving with Courage, Integrity and Pride"
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California Fire News 2011 

NV-RNOX- Caughlin / Reno WUI Fire 1,847 acres, Evacuations

Final Update: The Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperators (SFWC) Type 3 Incident Management Team Incident Commander Mike Brown said authorities had estimated 1,847 acres and 80 percent containment of wild-land fire and were hoping for full containment by midweek. 74 year old male dead from heart attack during evacuation,32 Homes Destroyed. Continuing Snowfall Forecast.
Today (11/19) most of the fire behavior are small spot fires and islands of brush that have not completely burned. Several buildings have also been smoldering and will be extinguished by crews today.
 

State of Emergency just called for by NV Gov. 10,000 evacuated, Thousands are without power Friday morning and at least 20 homes destroyed West of Reno. Very aggressive fire is "hop-scotching" to homes and high winds are making it extremely difficult to contain the rapidly growing blaze. The fire broke off into two directions and crews are battling it from several fronts.
Incident Name/Type: NV-RNOX-Caughlin / Wildland Urban Interface Fire

Screenshot from National Weather Service Webcam

Last Update: 1 Confirmed Dead: Elderly Male Found Dead In Burned Home.
 City of Reno says if you are being advised to evacuate go to Galena High School off the Mount Rose Highway. Pets are welcome #caughlinfire

Caughlin Fire Location / Perimeter Maps

• Date/Time Started: November 18 12:30 am
• Administrative Unit: RNOX
• County: Washoe County
• Location: Fire origin at 4984 Sierra Pine Drive in west Reno and as many as 1,000 people are without power.
  GPS: 
• Acres Burned: 600+
• ROS: Rapid
• Containment: 
• Conditions: Very high winds. 20 structures lost.
• Road Closures: McCarran Boulevard to be closed at Caughlin Parkway and Skyline Blvd.Nevada Caughlin Ranch area.
• Structure Threats: Yes
• Special Hazards: Powerlines Down
• Evacuations: Structures and Livestock being evacuated.
  Evacuations are underway in the Ridgeview and Lakeshore Drive areas that includes Skyline apartments. Witnesses report seeing a home fully engulfed on Lakeridge Shore Drive and another on Manazanita Drive near McCarran Blvd. Several homes are threatened at this time.
  A spokesperson with the City of Reno says if you are being advised to evacuate from your home, go to Galena High School off the Mount Rose Highway. The evac center at Reno High School is full. Pets are welcome at evac centers. Most Washoe County schools are closed for Friday because of the fire.
• Animal evacuations:
  Small animals can be taken for free to:
  Advance Pet Care, 2001 Prater Way.
  321-5300... Bob.
  In the Spanish Springs area, Marie can take any livestock: 240-9002.
  Evacuated cattle or horses can be taken to Tuff Luck Ranch at 175 River Road in Dayton. Beth Gee at 691-6096.
  Feline Rescue of Northern Nevada offering free services for holding cats... 544-4475.
  Franktown Meadows in Washoe Valley accepting any animals for free... 849-1600... Across from Bowers mansion.
  You can also take animals to 1215 Mineral Flat in Antelope Valley... 775-970-5425. You must dial 775 for that number.
  The Reno Livestock Events Center on Wells Avenue is open and now available for people to bring their livestock.
  K.A. Animal Rescue is taking animals, ask for Deborah
  246-3296
• Cause: Pending, reports of powerlines down.
• Cooperating Agencies: Reno Fire Dept, Truckee Meadows, Lyon and Storey County Fire, USFS, Tahoe,
• Resources: 
• Air Resources: 
• Comms: 
• Injuries: 
• Weather Info: 70+ mph wind gusts till after 4pm says NWS. 
• RR Link:
• Inciweb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2735/ 
• Agency Link: http://www.sierrafront.net/press/news%20releases.htm
• Video: Live Streaming at  Channel 8 KOLO http://www.kolotv.com/
  NOAA Web Cam - http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/images/rev/r...?camName=reno1
View Caughlin Fire (fka Pine Haven fire) in a larger map

View Caughlin Fire (fka Pine Haven fire) in a larger map

California Fire News 2011