Thursday, December 20, 2012

SBFD: Memorial Service Fire engineer Gerald Mohney

San Bernardino firefighter Jerry Mohney honored at funeral
The casket of retired San Bernardino City Fire engineer Gerald Mohney is carried into the Mark B. Shaw funeral home Tuesday. (Khai Le/Correspondent)
SAN BERNARDINO - Gerald "Jerry" Mohney earned an honor guard with bagpipes and drums for his 36 years with the San Bernardino Fire Department, but a slideshow at his funeral Tuesday began with the rebellious soundtrack of "Bad to the Bone."
The two-hour ceremony featured coworkers and family members remembering Mohney, a fire engineer and one-time vice president of the San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters union, as loyal, hard-working - and crusty.

Longtime firefighters said Mohney often laced his statements with expletives, and back when wardrobe regulations were more lax he would wear a T-shirt declaring "I hate rookies."

But after he worked with them, rookies and much of the rest of the Fire Department

Acting San Bernardino Fire Chief Paul Drasil, left, and Murrieta firefighter Sean DeGrave perform the Presentation of the Flag to Linda Mohney during the funeral of her husband Gerald, a retired fire engineer, Tuesday in San Bernardino. (Khai Le/Correspondent)
saw Mohney as one of their closest friends, said retired Fire Captain Ken Mosely.
"He taught me so much in the 12 years we worked together, I hope he knows how much I appreciate him," Mosely said. "There's a bond between all firefighters, but it's even stronger with my brother Jerry."

Mohney died Dec. 13 at 63 after a short fight with brain cancer, his wife Linda said. He began working for the department in 1974, after stints at a few jobs and in the Army.

Mark B. Shaw Chapel was packed with about 200 people he'd met through the Fire Department, car club and shooting range, who sometimes sniffled and often chuckled during a eulogy written by Linda and delivered by Chaplain Mike Whittaker.

"He was really a sentimental kind of guy and didn't like seeing the end of movies like Dances with Wolves or Braveheart, because they were about losing your best friend," Whittaker said. "But boy, did he like his Westerns."

Mohney's cowboy credo - "be kind to old people, be kinid to children and be kind to dogs" - was noted several times.

"As much as Jerry would like people to think he was half redneck and half cowboy," said his brother-in-law Steve DeGrave, "he was actually straight and narrow

Acting San Bernardino Fire Chief Paul Drasil, front, and Mohney's nephew, Murrieta firefighter Sean DeGrave, perform the Presentation of the Flag during the funeral of Gerald Mohney, a retired fire engineer, Tuesday in San Bernardino. (Khai Le/Correspondent)
and always did what was right."
That didn't prevent him from having some fun, though, said DeGrave, who met Mohney before his first date with Linda at a bachelor party.

The two shared "a drink or three" and when the police showed up, scrambled in unison over a wall and into a neighbor's yard.

That was one of many adventures they had through the years, but through it all Mohney was a great role model for his daughter Stephanie, niece and nephew, who followed Mohney's example and became a firefighter in Murrieta, DeGrave said.

"Jerry was the perfect uncle for my kids," he said. "The love and pride he had for them was obvious and never required words."

Original source: Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer- http://www.dailybulletin.com http://www.dailybulletin.com/breakingnews/ci_22218381/san-bernardino-firefighter-jerry-mohney-honored-at-funeral#ixzz2FcsDa749

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Southern California Fire Weather Discusssion

 Issued: Today, Sunday, December 09, 2012
Valid For: Valid For: Monday

So Cal Red Flag Warnings

WEATHER DISCUSSION:
 Gusty offshore winds and low humidity tonight through Tuesday morning in southern California***
A trough over the northern Rockies will quickly drop southward into northern Arizona and New Mexico by this evening. At the same time, surface high pressure will build into Utah which will allow gusty north to east winds to develop below the canyons and passes of southern California tonight through early Tuesday.
 

Winds: The strongest winds will occur Monday morning with sustained speeds of 15-25 mph along
with gusts into the 40s in the more wind prone areas such as the Santa Clarita Valley, the Cajon Pass, the Beaumont/Banning Pass, and portions of the Cleveland National Forest. Also, northerly winds of 15-30 mph will occur across the Lower Colorado River Valley this afternoon and evening. The winds will diminish by Monday afternoon before increasing again Tuesday morning, although winds will be weaker as compared to Monday morning. Weak onshore flow will return to some of the coastal areas by Tuesday afternoon.


Relative Humidity: Humidity values will drop into the teens Monday and Tuesday over much of southern California with poor recovery Monday night. 

Temps: Temperatures will be near normal today and Monday, climbing to above normal levels briefly on Tuesday with valley highs in the 70s. 

Rain & Snow: On Wednesday a cold upper trough will drop into the region with widespread wetting rains developing over the area later Wednesday into Thursday. At this time rainfall amounts will likely be between 1/2 and 1 inch across all but the desert areas with snow levels dropping to near 4,000 feet on Thursday.

EXTENDED OUTLOOK: Cool but dry weather will follow Friday and Saturday.

Tuesday through Saturday:
Coast and Coastal Valleys - Breezy in the morning with low RH Tuesday over southern California.
Inland Valleys and Surrounding Foothills - Breezy in the morning with low RH Tuesday over southern California.
Mountains (Excluding the Sierra Range) - Breezy in the morning with low RH Tuesday over southern California.
Sierras - No significant fire weather expected.
Deserts - No significant fire weather expected.



RED FLAG WARNING: OFFSHORE WINDS AND VERY LOW RH #CAFIRE #CAREDFLAG

  RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM SUNDAY TO 2 PM PST TUESDAY FOR GUSTY OFFSHORE WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES OVER THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY

 RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM SUNDAY TO 2 PM PST TUESDAY FOR GUSTY OFFSHORE WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES OVER THE VENTURA COUNTY VALLEYS - VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS

 RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON FOR GUSTY OFFSHORE WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES OVER THE MOUNTAINS AND SOME VALLEYS OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES

 RED FLAG WARNING SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATIONAL AREA-VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS / LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS / ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST-
 
 FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON FOR GUSTY OFFSHORE WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN FERNANDO VALLEY-

DISCUSSION: 

 WINDS - AREAS OF NORTHEAST WINDS MAY INCREASE SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT...PEAKING MONDAY MORNING THEN PERSISTING INTO TUESDAY AFTERNOON. PEAK WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED STRONGEST OVER THE NORTHWEST VALLEYS. 
 RELATIVE HUMIDITY - HUMIDITIES ARE EXPECTED TO LOWER INTO THE TEENS ON MONDAY THEN LOWER FURTHER ON TUESDAY WITH POOR OVERNIGHT RECOVERIES. 
 IMPACTS - IF FIRE IGNITION OCCURS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR RAPID SPREAD OF WILDFIRE THAT WOULD LEAD TO A THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY. 

 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.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

CAL FIRE Riverside County Holiday and Christmas Tree Safety

 CAL FIRE / Riverside County Fire Department Holiday PSA

 A lot of work goes into preparing for the holiday season; baking, decorating, shopping for gifts. Why not take a little extra time to make your home safe during the holidays by following some easy tips for purchasing, decorating and disposing of your holiday tree? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
  •  U.S. Fire Departments responded to an estimated annual average of 240 residential structure fires that began with Christmas Trees. These fires caused an annual average of 13 civilian fire-related deaths, 27 civilian fire-related injuries and nearly $16.7 million dollars in direct property damage.
  • Electrical problems were factors in 33% of residential Christmas Tree structure fires.
  • 13% of home Christmas Tree fires involved decorative lights.
  • Candles started 11% of home Christmas Tree structure fires.
  • 39% (or two out of every five) home Christmas Tree fires started in the living room, family room or den.
  • 18% of home Christmas Tree structure fires were intentionally set. Half of the intentional Christmas Tree fires occurred in January and may have been related to disposal.
  These are staggering statistics-, said CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Chief John R. Hawkins. -If you opt to purchase a live tree, a few simple actions can protect your family from an improperly selected, maintained and disposed of live tree and it becoming the culprit of a dangerous and deadly fire.¿

  We invite you to view a video clip, also available on YouTube (CAL FIRE TV), with some very important tips on selecting, decorating, maintaining and disposing of live Christmas Trees - http://youtu.be/qiXLbk86dVo

CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department wishes all of our residents and visitors a very happy and fire safe holiday season! 


RRU News Release: 
Jody Hagemann
Public Affairs Bureau
951-940-6985


Friday, December 7, 2012

WFF News: Support for Heather Kantor

Wildland Firefighter Foundation / News

 Heather Kantor was a firefighter on an engine on the TAHOE and now works dispatch on the TAHOE. If you can help spread the word, so we can save her life! She has been approved as a Voluntary Leave Transfer Program recipient and is in need of donated annual leave and support.

From Heather- "I am currently in the hospital with kidney failure due to the fact that my original donor was older and was only ever expected to last 4 to 5 years. It has lasted 6 years, but now it is time for a new one and thankfully, I have multiple potential donors who have volunteered to save my life. I will likely be away from work for a few months dealing with preliminary appointments and testing, having the transplant and then recovering. Any leave donations, however small, would be a huge help in getting through this."

If you are interested in donating annual leave or helping show your support to Heather in other ways, please email info@wffoundation.org or call 208-336-2996.


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Stanislaus National Forest - Road and Trail Seasonal Closures


Road and Trail Seasonal Closures

 The Forest Service announced today that most Forest roads and trails will be closed to public travel from December 16, 2012 through April 14, 2013.
 Sonora, Calif. - “It is that time of year when the roads and trails are too wet to travel on without causing damage to the soil and the roads and trails themselves”, said Sue Warren, Public Services Program Leader. “Due to recent wet weather some roads may be gated now to provide for safe travel. Contact your local Ranger District office before traveling on the Forest.”

A revised Stanislaus National Forest (NF) Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is now available to the public. The MVUM now includes another 11 miles of routes available for public use, reflecting recent completion of required mitigation measures. Some Forest roads are open year-round while other roads and trails are normally open to the public from April 15 through December 15.
Be advised that Forest roads are not maintained for winter or wet weather use. Use caution and drive defensively when traveling on open roads in the Forest through the winter. Rocks, snow and ice may be encountered in the roadway. Wet, saturated roadbeds are easily damaged, causing the need for costly repairs to roads and adjacent resources.
Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available at all Forest and Ranger District offices as well as online. All visitors should obtain a map to know where they may travel. Maps and other information can be found on the Forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus.

 Release Date: Dec 4, 2012  Contact(s): Public Affairs Office, (209) 532-3671 ext. 244



Fire Restrictions Lowered on San Bernardino National Forest

 San Bernardino, Calif., December 4, 2012– With recent rain across the southland, forest officials on the San Bernardino National Forest reduce fire restrictions effective Wednesday December 5, 2012.

 As a result of lowering the fire restrictions, visitors may have wood and charcoal fires in agency-provided campfire rings at campgrounds, picnic areas and yellow post sites. 

Recreational target shooting is permitted within designated sites in the Big Bear area and permitted areas on the San Jacinto Ranger District. “We ask the public to always call ahead and check conditions, since conditions do change, whether it’s a winter storm or the return of Santa Ana wind conditions,” said Forest Supervisor Jody Noiron.

Current fire restriction and guidelines in effect on the San Bernardino National Forest are as follows:

  • · Wood and charcoal campfires are allowed only in developed campgrounds, picnic areas and Yellow Post campsites within agency-provided fire rings or designated stoves.
  • · Campfire permits are required for propane and gas stoves and lanterns used outside of developed recreation sites.
  • · Recreational shooting is limited to designated sites and public shooting ranges operated under special use permit only, except those engaged in legal hunting.
  • · The 1N09 Recreational Shooting area remains closed.
  • · An approved spark arrester is required for any internal combustion engine operated on designated forest routes. These include chainsaws, generators, motorcycles, and off-highway vehicles.
  • · Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles, developed recreation sites and areas cleared of vegetation, three feet in diameter.
  • · Fireworks are always prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest. Tracer, armor piercing, steel core, and Teflon ammunition are also prohibited, as is discharging a firearm at any exploding target.

For more information, please call your local forest office at:
Big Bear Ranger Station & Discovery Center 909-382-2790
Lytle Creek Ranger Station 909-382-2851
Idyllwild Ranger Station 909-382-2922
Mill Creek Work Center 909-382-2882
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 760-862-9984
For additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest, please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf

About the U.S. Forest Service, San Bernardino National Forest
The San Bernardino National Forest is comprised of three Ranger Districts spanning 676,666 acres in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. From the desert floor to the pristine mountain peaks, the San Bernardino National Forest offers natural environments, spectacular scenery, developed campgrounds and picnic areas, numerous recreational opportunities, and the solitude of quiet wilderness and open space for the over 24 million residents of Southern California and those visiting the area. The forest environment also provides habitat for numerous plants and animals and is crucial in sustaining drinking water, air, and soil quality.

Release Date: Dec 4, 2012

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

LAFD: Short Shorts, Heels and Hulu-Hoops

Fire Station "Burlesque Video" Under Investigation

An LA city fire station that was the subject of a porn shoot is again under investigation for another racy video

By Jason Kandel and Joel Grover
|The same Venice fire station embroiled in porn controversy last year when the NBC I-Team exposed it for allowing one of its fire trucks to be used in a video shoot is under investigation again, this time for a racy video that was apparently shot inside the station. Joel Grover reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2012.
Joel Grover
The same Venice fire station embroiled in porn controversy last year when the NBC I-Team exposed it for allowing one of its fire trucks to be used in a video shoot is under investigation again, this time for a racy video that was apparently shot inside the station. Joel Grover reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2012.

  The same Venice fire station embroiled in porn controversy last year when the NBC I-Team exposed it for allowing one of its fire trucks to be used in a video shoot is under investigation again, this time for a racy video that was apparently shot inside the station.
A video that was uploaded to YouTube last week features a woman in short shorts and red high heels dancing around a pole with a Hula Hoop in the Venice Fire Station 63.
The woman in the video can be seen wearing what appears to be fire department overalls and a yellow helmet. The helmet does not have an L.A. city insignia, but instead what appears to be black tape with no visible L.A. city markings.
Viewers can see the number "63" on the side of a fire truck in the background.
The 1:22 minute video called “Firehouse Burlesque Hula Hooping,” is an ad for Hoopnotica, a workout program, based in Venice.
At one point during what appears to be a firefighter slightly blurred wearing a fire department baseball cap and blue shirt jokingly dancing with the Hula Hoop.
Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Jaime Moore, who said he hadn’t seen the clip, said the department has launched an internal affairs investigation into the video.
Lauren Brand, a spokeswoman for Hoopnotica, said the video was shot within the last 30 days at the Venice fire station, which is a couple of blocks from the Hoopnotica headquarters.
Brand said the women in the video are part of Hoopnotica’s “street team,” who go out to promote “hooping” for physical fitness.
“We were walking around the neighborhood,” Brand said. “The girls saw the door of the station open and walked in.”
They asked firefighters if they could shoot a “hooping video” in there and the firefighters agreed, Brand said.
“It was totally spur of the moment,” she said. “It was all lighthearted fun. I hope we didn’t get anyone in trouble. It was just clean, American fun.”
She confirmed that there were firefighters in the video and the uniforms were city issued.
NBC4 broke the news of an earlier investigation at the station that said several firefighters allegedly allowed porn producers to use their fire engines in two adult movies for a video in 2008.
In April, NBC4 LA revealed how two LA traffic cops from the LA Department of Transportation appeared in a porn movie.
In the Fire Department case, nobody was disciplined because the department’s 2-year statute of limitations in such cases had expired.
In the DOT case, one officer was fired and another disciplined as a result of the city investigation. Parking Enforcement Chief Jimmy Price retired two years ahead of schedule.

USFA: Holiday and Christmas Tree Fire Safety

 Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 240 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 150 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. Together, these fires result in 21 deaths and $25.2 million in direct property damage.

Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy. Learn how to prevent a fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Help ensure that you have a fire safe holiday season.

Christmas Trees
What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion – “Keep the tree watered.”

Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.

Dry Tree vs. High Moisture Tree Fire - Video

This dramatic clip illustrates what happens when fire touches a dry tree and a properly maintained, well-watered tree.

 Selecting a Tree for the Holidays

Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

 Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
  Disposing of Your Tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Holiday Lights
 Maintain Your Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!

Holiday Decorations
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Don't Block Exits

Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace

Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

Candle Care
Avoid Using Lit Candles

Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.

If You Do Use Lit Candles

Make sure candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Never leave a room or go to bed with candles burning.

Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree

Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.

Safety Video: Dry Tree vs. High Moisture #Christmas Tree Fire

This dramatic clip illustrates what happens when fire touches a dry vs. well-watered Christmas tree


Dry Tree vs. High Moisture Tree Fire

This video shows the ignition propensity of a properly maintained Fraser fir Christmas tree compared to that of a dry tree

Coffee Break Training (Fire Protection): Inspection Techniques - Egress Door Hardware Considerations

Learning Objective: The student shall be able to list some of the limitations on egress door hardware.Fire inspectors are problem solvers: When they find a code violation, they issue corrective orders to improve public safety.

The illustration is an example of how a fire inspector’s orders can be misapplied. Look closely at the top and bottom thirds of the left side of the door slab where you will see two sets of small holes. During a visit, the fire inspector found two hasp-type latches on the door leaf, so the door could be locked to the frame. They
had been added with the existing panic hardware assembly. He correctly ordered the tenant to remove the unauthorized locking devices because the fire code permits only a single operation to release any door or leaf.

Upon re-inspection, the fire inspector found the hasp-type latches had been removed, but the tenant added a second panic hardware assembly with a built-in alarm. This also violates the fire code requirement that only a single operation release any door or leaf. Additionally, doors, handles, pulls, latches, locks and other door hardware operating devices may be installed only between 34 inches (864 mm) and 48 inches (1,219 mm) above the finished floor. The newly installed alarmed panic hardware assembly is located above the maximum allowable height.

As an interesting side note to the picture, the exit sign was missing during the original fire safety inspection. The fire inspector ordered a replacement, but when installing this brand new sign, the installer punched the left and right arrows out of the face; however, the door opens onto a corridor that offers only one directional choice.

So what are this day’s Coffee Break Training messages? First, this example illustrates the importance of conducting re-inspections. A tenant or owner’s interpretation or solution to a corrective notice may result in other problems or violations. Second, don’t ever forget the importance of providing clear instructions regarding corrections. Third, be prepared to share the text of fire and building code sections with tenants and owners, so they can see the requirements.

Fourth, take a few minutes to educate these folks both about the code requirements and the reasons for them. Understanding the code’s “intent” will go a long way to achieving compliance.

Finally, don’t ever forget that you might be surprised when you return for your reinspection.

(#FP-2012-49)


Monday, December 3, 2012

RRU: CURBS ON OPEN BURNING TO END

Residents of Riverside County may resume open burning Monday, Dec. 3, when restrictions are canceled at 8 a.m., Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Chief John Hawkins announced.

Cal Fire defines open burning as:

  • Use of campfires restricted to areas within established campfire facilities, located in established campgrounds that are open to the public.
  • Agricultural burning in the Palo Verde Valley and Coachella Valley authorized as required for agricultural rehabilitation.
  • Cooking fires with a permit; allowable when no alternate means of cooking is available. Requires an on-site inspection prior to issuing a permit.
  • Warming fires; they require an inspection before issuing a permit.
Also Monday, these areas at risk of brush fires will reopen:
  • Avery Canyon (Gibbel Road east of State Street in Hemet
  • North Mountain and Indian Canyon (San Jacinto area)
  • Whitewater Canyon (Cabazon, north of Palm Springs)
  • Nuevo/Lakeview (east of Menifee Road and San Jacinto Avenue)
  • Minto (Sage)
  • Reinhardt Canyon (north of Highway 74 and California Avenue in Hemet)
  • Ramona Bowl and Bautista Canyon (southeast Hemet).
Hawkins said in a news release that the threat of fire remains year-round. "There is still dry brush out there that can easily ignite and start a fire," he wrote.

Bill Peters, spokesman for Cal Fire's San Bernardino unit, said that the public should not get complacent because of recent rains. Santa Ana winds could quickly dry out brush, he said.



Open burning is still prohibited in Cal Fire's San Bernardino County unit.
 

Cal Fire urges the public to visit www.readyforwildfire.org to learn how to prepare for wildfires.



SAAMI - Sporting Ammunition and the Fire Fighter

Isn't it dangerous to collect ammunition?  If there is a fire, wouldn't it blow up the neighborhood?
Virtually every household in America contains many common items which are far more dangerous than even a massive ammunition collection.   Cans of spray paint or hair spray, a container of gasoline for a lawn mower, or a propane tank for a BBQ grill or even a small propane torch for home improvement use will all "explode" about as easily as ammunition, and cause more damage by providing fuel to a fire.

Tests have shown that ammunition exposed to a fire may eventually be heated to the point that the primer and/or powder will ignite.  This will usually result in the cartridge case rupturing, and force the primer from the primer pocket.  The powder burns, and does not explode. Since the ammunition is not constrained within the barrel of a gun, the force is dispersed in all directions, and the bullet will do little more than drop out of the case.  The primer, any pieces of the ruptured cartridge case, and the bullet  will not penetrate anything much stronger than a corrugated cardboard box a few inches away.  Military surplus "ammo cans" are excellent and safe methods for storing ammunition. 

Newspaper accounts of house or business fires where "bullets exploded by the heat went shooting over firefighters' heads" are completely false and based on invalid assumptions and ignorance.  However, news people often leap to hysterical conclusions which attract a lot of attention and are seldom corrected



 
 
Transcript: 
0:17
supporting any nation in the firefighter is produced by sami the sporting arms
0:21
and ammunition manufactures institute
0:24
sammy was created in nineteen twenty six at the request of the united states
0:28
federal government to create standards related to safety and reliability and
0:32
firearms ammunition components
0:35
this video as part of our continuing mission to promote safety in this case
0:39
by providing firefighters with fact-based information to help them
0:43
address the realities of fires they contain sporting ammunition
0:47
peachy around the world
0:49
the public shoots billions of cartridges in shock shells
0:53
rifle and handgun cartridges consist of a brass case with primer powder and
0:58
bullet
0:59
shot shells are similar
1:01
but also have a wild that holds the shot
1:04
sporting a new nation include shot schultz oh two eighty eight
1:08
and handgun rifle cartridges up to fifty caliber
1:12
this video examine sporting ammunition only it does not address military or law
1:17
enforcement and initiatives such as tear gas cartridges tracers or incendiary
1:21
projectiles
1:24
these demonstrations do not apply to a loaded firearm
1:28
in a fire patching bird firearm we'll shoot as if the trigger was pulled
1:33
sammy thinks the international association of fire chiefs for their
1:36
input during the making of this video
1:39
their firefighters
1:40
we always encounter rhys and hazards and before we enter into any
1:45
incident we should be doing a risk assessment and looking at the levels of
1:49
risk before involved
1:50
i think in the fall of demonstrations with small arms ammunition he'll also
1:54
realize that the risk is very low he should be treated no differently than
1:58
any other hazards instructor pilot
2:10
smokeless powders must be confined to propel a projectile akan velocity
2:15
when not in a firearm
2:16
projectile velocities are extremely low
2:20
to demonstrate this fact a special test device was made to hold cartridges
2:24
one-at-a-time for igniting and filming in slow motion
2:28
which will be a shot show is the most common shot shell available
2:32
without the confinement of a file on camera
2:35
the shock is not penetrate standard two hundred pound fiber board at a distance
2:39
of seven inches
2:43
projectiles superficially mark the fiber board
2:46
much of the powder is left on bernie
2:52
unsupported five hundred smith and wesson magnum handgun cartridge exhibits
2:56
more energy anestachio
2:59
the brass breaks apart and the bullet may penetrate one sheet of five eighths
3:03
inch sheetrock
3:05
it may not even penetrate their farm
3:07
which happened here
3:10
the four sixteen remington magnum rifle cartridge
3:13
is one of the largest sporting cartridges
3:16
but that's similar to magnum handgun cartridge
3:27
conclusion
3:28
projectiles ignited outside a firearm
3:31
have significantly lower velocities and energies that man shot from a firearm
3:49
if any nation has dropped in transportation or storage
3:51
willette ignite
3:53
to answer this question
3:55
consumer packages of ammunition were dropped from a height of sixty five feet
3:59
measured with the weight of world
4:01
the sporting emulation consisted of a fifty-round box of federal three fifty
4:06
seven sick
4:07
handgun cartridges
4:08
a twenty five around lots of remington twelve-gauge shot shells
4:12
and a twenty round box of twenty four fifty eight point four cartridges one of
4:16
the biggest cartridges on the market
4:19
consumer packages of shot shells handguns and rifles cartridges were
4:22
dropped at the same time
4:25
from this extreme quite
4:27
two of the handgun cartridges ignited
4:29
there was no propagation from cartridge to cartridge
4:34
three shipping cases of the same ammunition were dropped from sixty five
4:38
feet
4:39
these cases contend two hundred rounds of rifle cartridges
4:42
two hundred fifty rounds of shots shells and one thousand rounds of handgun
4:47
cartridges
4:50
none of the ammunition ignited
4:53
conclusion
4:54
when dropped from extreme heights supporting ammunition is unlikely to
4:57
ignite
4:58
the cartridge ignites
5:00
it does not propagate
5:11
if a cartridges ignited accidentally will ignite other cartridges
5:14
the ultimate test is to shoot boxes of ammunition with a high-power rifle
5:19
ammunition in retail packaging and shipping cases was placed on a pedestal
5:23
in the cabinet
5:24
to help contain the impacted cartridges
5:27
which can scanner for twenty to thirty feet
5:30
the cabinet also protects the slow-motion camera
5:33
some unacknowledged cartridges were not found immediately
5:37
but all cartridges were accounted for by the end of the day
5:41
the three oh eight caliber rifle used here
5:43
the shooting one hundred fifty green bullets two thousand six hundred
5:47
tentative per second from a distance of sixty five yards
5:51
handgun rifle and shot shells were tested
5:55
a retail box of each type was shot
5:57
followed by shooting a case of the same ammunition
6:16
four cartridges ignited
6:27
five cartridges ignited
6:34
gunpowder pork out of the impacted cartridges
6:44
three-card regions where ruptured without igniting
6:53
five cartridges were damaged
6:55
three of them were ignited
7:11
gunpowder erupted from the shot shells without igniting
7:21
for shot shells were damaged
7:33
one primary was destroyed which did not ignite the shot shell
7:40
conclusion
7:41
most of the ammunition did not ignite
7:44
when a cartridge did ignite there was no chain reaction
8:05
old
8:07
lasting cancer used to ignite quite forces
8:10
they send out a shockwave and final manam fragments
8:14
blasting cap was placed inside a box of four fifty-eight winchester magnum rifle
8:19
cartridges
8:20
the blasting cap destroyed the package
8:22
none of the cartridges ignited
8:33
totally destroyed category
8:39
it was decided to place a blast in catholic side effect is
8:43
a box of fifty winchester forty-five cold cartridges was used
8:47
the primer was exposed
8:49
the blasting cap was a fixed on top of the expos primer
8:54
the targeted cartridge ignited
8:56
but no one around and i didn't
8:58
there was no propagation
9:00
the fifty-round boss was largely undisturbed
9:03
next an entire two hundred fifty round case of federal twelve-gauge shot shells
9:08
was used
9:09
polls were cut through the fiber board and consumer packaging to expose a
9:12
primer
9:14
the blasting cap was attached directly against the expos primer
9:18
the targeted shot shelving knighted
9:20
there was no propagation
9:22
the two hundred fifty round case was largely undisturbed
9:26
the tests showed that blasting caps are usually unable to ignite sporting
9:30
ammunition
9:31
when placed directly against an expose primer
9:34
the blasting cap made nine that cartridge
9:37
there was no propagation from cartridge to cartridge
9:43
conclusion
9:44
ignition using a blasting cap is difficult and is not propagate
10:00
a forklift was driven at high speed into a pallet of ammunition
10:05
there was no addition
10:07
damage to the ammunition was negligible
10:12
worst-case scenario it was decided
10:17
russian livable
10:20
rejecting visas
10:23
two hundred mounting federal seven millimeter remington magnum rifle
10:27
cartridges
10:28
two hundred rounds of point eighteen forty four magnum handgun cartridges
10:32
and two hundred fifty rounds of federal twelve-gauge magnum shot shells
10:37
the bulldozer crushed the cases
10:39
no ammunition was ignited
10:51
since crushing the ammunition did not cause the sporting a new nation to
10:54
ignite
10:55
it was decided to conduct an extreme test
10:58
all the packaging was removed
11:00
the ammunition was left in piles on the ground
11:04
the bulldozers and won't be any nation on the asphalt
11:08
this demonstration is extreme
11:10
but it shows and missions resistance to accidentally mixed
11:13
during thirty seconds of grinding
11:15
screenshot shell primers were ignited
11:19
many climbers were crushed without igniting
11:28
two one four climbers were ignited
11:33
no propagation occur
11:39
many cartridges were crushed without igniting
11:58
none of the handgun cartridges ignited
12:08
most extreme
12:12
unlikely to overnight and does not propagating
12:28
a bonfire of packaging munition was conducted
12:31
the purpose was to measure the danger of projectiles from an ammunition fire
12:35
demonstrate that sporting ammunition does not mass explode in a fire
12:40
twenty eight thousand rounds of sporting ammunition were placed on a bench table
12:44
above award and diesel bonfire
12:47
nine witness hands were placed around the fire fifteen to fifty feet from the
12:51
bonfire
12:53
the witness stand speech consisted of a two-by-four would rectangle
12:57
this dog wall frame was covered front and back one tool for twenty eight foot
13:01
sheets of five aids and she rock
13:04
diesel fuel was applied to the working people people
13:10
the bonfire was ignited
13:15
the ammunition began to ignite
13:20
the ammunition was not fully involved
13:56
melted plastic from shot shelton's burned on the ground
14:09
witnessed plates that we've set up meetings the proc
14:12
various distances from the fire could show exactly how much
14:16
get them and with what portion
14:21
only a few pieces of the ammunition actually went through the first piece of
14:25
sheet rock and none penetrated the second
14:28
a lot of the pieces of any action stuck in the sheetrock
14:31
and install bcn for treating from it
14:35
we stepped out from behind the shelter that was used for the video cameras
14:39
in our poll firefighter turnout birthday shield vannatter helmet
14:43
and were able to feel some of the pieces of the ammunition striker turn out here
14:47
in fall into the ground
14:48
nothing more than a force to actually carry into the turnout here or injury
14:52
anyone
14:53
conditioned upon your convenient imitating
14:56
the noise is intense
14:58
you can see and here projectiles flying past you
15:02
this test demonstrated that sporting a munitions and a large and intense finder
15:06
does not create projectiles dangerous to firefighters within a reasonable working
15:11
distance
15:15
conclusion
15:16
supporting ammunition fires are no easy
15:19
but the projectiles have low-energy and remarks we can't find one sheet rocket
15:23
short distances
15:25
normal turnout here will protect the firefighter at a reasonable working
15:29
distance
15:59
eighteen thousand rounds of sporting ammunition were placed in a matchbox
16:02
without and packaging
16:04
the bonfire was doused with diesel
16:07
and ignited
16:26
app
16:29
the absence of back and did not increase the intensity of the fire
16:36
put heat anti-white cost the state of the collapse
16:53
the plastic from johnson one early morning after the wouldn't be so fun or
16:57
was removed
17:07
conclusion
17:09
the lack of packaging did not cause the ammunition to burn more fiercely
17:13
no explosion occurred
17:42
one hundred fifteen thousand rounds of sporting ammunition were placed in a
17:45
simulated retail store
17:48
this included shot shell
17:49
handgun rifle ammunition
17:52
there was a large amount of ammunition in a small area
17:56
the warden diesel fire was intense
17:58
these factors created an unusually intense ammunition fire
18:04
the fire was ignited
18:31
fill it out
18:32
making approach with two different attack lines
18:36
cutting off a mobile
19:10
rich completed the firefight on up
19:12
retail store of over a hundred thousand rows of sorghum ammunition
19:17
we came up with two different poses
19:19
and the initial
19:20
officer to put his wide pattern of life was almost immediately affected david i
19:26
came around behind him
19:28
with that never or fog and reach the back of the building
19:32
and we were very effective it worked really fast
19:35
who are approaching the borrower or what
19:37
any project alpharetta anything that came out before was very low velocity
19:42
and uh... nobody got strep that will make in our fire vaccinate projectiles
19:47
from afar
19:49
the wall in this room was a normal stonewall made up of two going forward
19:53
the front of the wall was covered by finding tension brock
19:57
the backside all consisted of seven sixteenths inch would wait for board
20:02
the sheetrock was tested more severely mister than in the bonfire
20:07
the sheet wanted the scenario is only zero two five feet from the ammunition
20:12
none of the one hundred fifteen thousand rounds was more than twelve feet away
20:16
from the sheetrock
20:17
there were many penetrations of the sheetrock
20:21
as she brought penetrations from best seen by the sheet rock dust on the wood
20:24
sheeting behind
20:27
no evidence of any penetration or even any dent was found on the would she be
20:32
at one place in the wall there were two pieces of sheetrock overlapping
20:36
the seventies
20:37
was undamaged
20:41
the fire was controlled within ten seconds
20:44
projectiles were mobile on city
20:46
printed nineteen p two firefighters
21:00
five pallets of sporting any nation containing two hundred fifty two
21:04
thousand rounds were placed in a semi trailer
21:06
wood and paper fuel was piled against the palace
21:12
the fuel unbalance was so put ten gallons of diesel fuel
21:16
the fire was ignited
21:36
firefighters had path of the project and struck central time
21:41
nineteen percent right
22:00
redistricting semi trailer fire
22:03
were able to get up here
22:05
and not the fire down very quickly with which you attack lines
22:08
we had to climb up into the trailer and get some of it
22:11
hidden hot spots back behind the pallets of anything
22:15
and we really usual ammunition still going on
22:22
i walked up to the fire after it was then fall blaze a name initially was
22:27
going up very quickly
22:29
and i've seen that happen
22:30
penetration rocket previous tests so i came up to test it out mcdonough
22:35
for spring
22:37
and i felt
22:38
being threatened and times
22:41
pain sensation or didn't feel very hard from our vantage point i was pumping the
22:47
structure truck
22:48
supply in the water for the forest persons from what i saw in the just in
22:53
the world
22:54
of the the rooms for all
22:56
i had no
22:58
exposure
23:00
journey of a lot of rooms everything was coming out
23:02
per portions of the trailer the willing to work
23:06
uh... everything from our vantage point was
23:09
relatively safe
23:13
the fire was controlled within ten seconds
23:16
projectiles were low velocity
23:18
and strong
23:19
but did not impede the firefighters
23:34
over four hundred thousand rounds of ammunition were used during the
23:38
demonstrations shown in this video
23:40
these demonstrations confront that sporting ammunition is difficult to
23:44
ignite
23:45
ammunition does not propagate burned were exploding and subjected to extreme
23:49
stimuli
23:51
when subjected to fire
23:52
ammunition is loud and won't just small debris
23:56
however these projectiles could not be injured firefighters were inhibit them
23:59
from proceeding with their duties in the immediate vicinity of a fire
24:04
firefighters may safely and quickly extinguished burning admission with
24:08
standard method using water
24:11
firefighting personnel must wear standard fire protective gear including
24:15
self-contained breathing apparatus and keep it on while extinguishing hot spots
24:19
after the fire was controlled
24:22
sporting ammunition does not pose a fine air force accident hazard substantially
24:26
different from other common commodities
24:28
and in fact it's months ago was and cancelled products

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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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