Oceanside River Fire Arson Suspect Preliminary Hearing Today

Hearing for man accused of arson in Oceanside riverbed fire

Oceanside river fire
Credit:  Scripps Media, Inc

VISTA - A preliminary hearing is scheduled today for a man arrested in connection with a fire that blackened about 105 acres in an Oceanside riverbed nearly three weeks ago.

Alberto Serrato, 57, is charged with arson. He faces seven years in prison if convicted.

Following today's preliminary hearing, a judge will determine if enough evidence was presented for Serrato to stand trial.

Oceanside police Lt. Val Sadaat said Serrato was allegedly spotted using something to fan the flames of the fire in the bed of the San Luis Rey River.

Serrato tried to run but didn't get far and was arrested about 3:15 p.m. on May 14.

The blaze -- dubbed the River Fire -- erupted east of College Boulevard in the early afternoon and was contained about 7:45 p.m.

Authorities said one structure was damaged in the fire, one of more than a half-dozen that were burning in San Diego County at the time amid a Red Flag alert posted due to heat, winds and low humidities.

Source: http://www.10news.com/news/hearing-for-man-accused-of-arson-in-oceanside-riverbed-fire
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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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Yuba County: Olivehurst Walnut Plant Destroyed In Massive Structure Fire

Food Factory Destroyed In massive 200,000 square foot Olivehurst Walnut Plant Inferno Late Saturday Night

The Olivehurst area walnut plant was destroyed in a massive fire late Saturday night. Crews from over a dozen agencies were called in to help with the firefight.

According to the Linda Fire Department, firefighters were able to stop the flames from spreading to more parts of the Shoei Foods facility. Still, about 200,000 square feet of the Shoei Foods USA 1900 Feather River Boulevard facility was destroyed.

Firefighters remained at the scene mopping up today.
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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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CA-LNU All CAL FIRE Open Burning Permits Suspended.

Sonoma-Lake-Napa Cal Fire Burn Permits Suspended

 CAL FIRE Unit Chief Eric Hoffmann of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection – or Cal Fire – Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit announced beginning 12:01 a.m. Sunday, June 1, all permits for open burning within State Responsibility Area and Local Responsibility Areas under contract to Cal Fire are suspended.

Chief Hoffmann produced an official proclamation declaring a suspension of burn permits for the counties of Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo until the close of fire season.

Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a Cal Fire fire official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.

Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, or in established facilities on private property, with permission of the jurisdictional authority.

Persons doing burning under special permit must also check with their regional air quality management district for addition regulations and requirements.

Experience has shown that suspending open burning is an effective way of preventing fire escapes, especially as California enters the summer season period of hotter and drier weather.

Although all fires cannot be prevented through a burning suspension, their numbers can be significantly reduced.

Cal Fire reminds everyone that it is each individual’s responsibility to use fire safely and to prevent fires that destroy lives, property and our wildland.

Key fire prevention efforts include developing and maintaining a 100 foot defensible space around structures.

Use fire safe practices with mechanized equipment. Spark arrestors are required on exhaust producing tools (mowers, chain saws, etc.).

If dry grass needs to be cut, use a string trimmer and work in the early part of the day when temperatures are cool and humidity is higher. Never cut dry grass with a metal blade.

Burn Permit Information

During certain times of the year, when fire danger is lower, residential debris burning of dead vegetation is allowed in many areas. You should always check with your local CAL FIRE station or local fire department to obtain any necessary permits if required. Be sure to check with your local air quality management agency before burning.

To find out if it is a permissive burn day in your area, contact your local Air Pollution Control District. Contact information may be found at the State Air Resources Board website. When the weather begins to warm up and fire danger increases, CAL FIRE will restrict all residential debris burning. When a burn restriction is in place there is absolutely no debris burning allowed.
Due to this winter's lack of rain and critically dry conditions, CAL FIRE has suspended outdoor burning in many areas. This means outdoor landscape debris burning is not allowed in many counties. Ensure you check with your local fire station station before burning.

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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Two San Francisco Fire Department Chiefs Suspended Amid Ongoing Criminal Corruption Investigation

Two SF assistant chief's suspended over DUI fire truck crash

The department's reasons for suspending the two assistant chiefs were not immediately known but evidence of ongoing corruption investigation in the San Francisco Fire Department.

Update: In addition to the DUI case against the firefighter, now another criminal investigation other firefighters, who may have tried to cover for him.(ABC)

SFFD Aerial Truck Involved In Accident
Credit: abc7news.

SAN FRANCISCO - Two top San Francisco Fire Department officials have been suspended for their handling of an incident last year in which an allegedly drunken firefighter struck a motorcyclist and left the scene before being tested for intoxication, sources said Wednesday.

The two assistant chiefs on duty the night of the crash June 29, Art Kenney, 78, and David Franklin, 48, were notified by letter this week that they were suspended for 10 and eight days, respectively, said sources with knowledge of the matter.

Department spokeswoman Mindy Talmadge had no comment on Kenney's and Franklin's status.

The department's reasons for suspending the two assistant chiefs were not immediately known. Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White has said "better decisions" could have been made the night of the crash, but has not been more specific.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the suspensions are a confidential personnel matter. 

Source: San Francisco Chronicle link - http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Two-SFFD-officials-suspended-over-alleged-DUI-5511183.php
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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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California Fire Foundation: LA Dodgers Firefighter Appreciation Game

LA Dodgers Host Firefighter Appreciation Night!

Proceeds Benefit the California Fire Foundation

Watch the LA Dodgers take on the San Diego Padres and show your support for the California Fire Foundation at the Firefighter Appreciation Night at Dodger Stadium

Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 7:10 PM
Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles, CA

Your special event ticket includes tickets to the Tuesday night game against the San Diego Padres, a VIP firefighter party at the newly renovated Unocal 76 Station in parking Lot 6 from 5 pm-7 pm which includes all you can eat food and drinks and a special edition Firefighter Appreciation Night-themed T-shirt. Proceeds from tickets sold will go to the California Fire Foundation.

More information on purchasing a ticket coming soon!

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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Feel Good Story: Paying It Forward In Vacaville

 

Woman gives Vacaville firefighters a special thanks

Tri-tip steak, corn, watermelon; all ingredients for a Memorial Day BBQ left behind at Costco by a group of Vacaville firefighters on Saturday.

While shopping the crew received a medical emergency call and they left the store immediately. They returned a half an hour later to discover someone had already purchased their cart full of $123.25 worth of food.

“The note said ‘thank you firefighters for all you do have a good day’ and it was signed by an Air Force wife,” said Battalion Chief Jeff Ryder, Vacaville Fire Department.

Perhaps she was moved by the camouflage and American flag decorated shirts firefighters have been wearing in honor of the men and women who've sacrificed for our country.

“I think they are wonderful guys they do a great job. They’re great guys,” said Rich Wood, who was shopping at Costco on Tuesday.

Wood is a veteran. He said attitudes towards the military have changed greatly since he served in Vietnam.

“It’s amazing how many people just say ‘Thank you’ and come up to you nowadays,” said Wood.

The crew at Station 74 may never know why the woman covered the bill.

“We’re hoping that that person would come by and let us thank them for it,” said Ryder.

Firefighters pay for their own meals while on duty, about $25 each per shift, but they didn't pocket the money saved. Instead they plan to pay it forward.

Later in the day on Saturday the crew purchased the Memorial Day flowers an elderly couple was trying to buy. Tuesday night they’re cooking dinner for a WWII veteran from Vacaville.

Even before the random act of kindness the department had planned a fundraiser for Travis Air Force Base’s Fisher House, which assists the families of injured soldiers while they are in the hospital.

The Vacaville Firefighter’s Association will host dinner at Pietro’s #1 on 407 Cernon Street between 4-8pm Wednesday, May 28th. Half of the proceeds from the event will go to the Fisher House.

Source: KTVU http://m.ktvu.com/news/news/local/woman-gives-vacaville-firefighters-special-thanks/nf8Gb/

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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RED FLAG WARNING MODOC COUNTY AND WARNER MOUNTAINS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEDFORD OR 844 AM PDT TUE MAY 27 2014

RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THE COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES MODOC COUNTY EXCEPT FOR THE SURPRISE VALLEY.
STRONG AND GUSTY WESTERLY WINDS WILL DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING AHEAD OF A LOW. THESE WINDS WILL COMBINE WITH ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND LOW HUMIDITIES.

CAZ285-280300- /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0002.140527T2100Z-140528T0300Z/ MODOC COUNTY EXCEPT FOR THE SURPRISE VALLEY- 844 AM PDT TUE MAY 27 2014 RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THE COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 285

AFFECTED AREA: THE SOUTHEASTERN HALF OF FIRE WEATHER ZONE 285. THIS INCLUDES ALTURAS, ADIN, LIKELY, AND THE WARNER MOUNTAINS.
WIND: SOUTHWEST TO WEST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH.
HUMIDITY: 12-16 PERCENT.
IMPACTS: THE COMBINATION OF DRY CONDITIONS GUSTY SOUTHWEST TO WEST WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES WILL CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR RAPID FIRE GROWTH.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL CONTRIBUTE TO EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR.

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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CA-MMU- Hunters Fire 677 acres - 95% contained; full containment expected Monday

Hunters Fire CA-MMU-Hunter .CA-MMU-8974 #HuntersFire started as a structure fire, spread to vegetation  #CaFire 

Hunters Fire Plume
Credit: KCRA insider

Evacuations: Immediate Structure Threat Hunters Valley / Hunter Valley Rd. Evacuation center is located at 2820 Hwy 140, Cathey’s Valley, McKay Hall.

Update 5-30 1900: 677 acres - 95% contained; full containment expected Monday The fire burned two unoccupied homes, one smaller building and injured nine firefighters. Evacuation orders affecting more than 100 homes were lifted earlier this week.The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Update 5-30 0900: 677 acres, 90% contained; full containment expected Monday
Update 5-29 1700 677 acres, 60%
Update 5-28 1900 677 acres, Now 40% contained, Good progress made today on the #HuntersFire in Mariposa County. Reduction in size due to GPS mapping.

Update 5-28 0730 OSCC: 1300 Acres, 20% CALFIRE IMT 6 (Estes) Activated and will transition with Unit to assume command of incident by 1200 hrs 5/28.
Update 5-27 1730: 1300 Acres, 20% contained. Evacuations continue in effect., CALFIRE IMT 6 (Estes) Activated and will transition with Unit to assume command of incident by 1200 hrs 5/28.

Update 5-27 0930: 900 acres, 20%
Update 5-27 0730: 900 acres, 10%
Update 1930: 500 acres per AA
Update 1840: 400+ acres per AA.
Update 1800: Per Cal Fire 250 acres. IC requesting evacuations of Hunter Valley Rd which is west of fire origin.
Update 1730: 200 acres with potential for major fire, structures threatened Hunters Valley.
Update 1700: AA reporting over 100 acres with very difficult ground access

IA: Structure fire, spreading to vegetation 20 acres. State fire crews responded to the smoke and flames about 3:30 p.m.

Location: Near Lake McClure, off Hunters Valley Access Road in the Bear Valley 

Columbia webcam: http://www.pmlaa.org/columbia.htm

Crane Flat webcam: http://ssgic.cr.usgs.gov/cgi-bin/cam...ie=0&frame=571

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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CA-LNU #IndianFire Lake County, east of Clearlake Oaks.Unified Command 175 acres, 75% FROSS.

Indian Fire CA-LNU-Indian Lake County, near Indian Valley Reservoir. East of Clearlake Oaks. Unified Command

Update 5-26-14 1700: 175 acres, 75% FROS. #CaFire

Incident Overview

The Indian Fire is located in Lake County, near Indian Valley Reservoir, east of Clearlake Oaks. It is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit. The fire was discovered early afternoon, Sunday, May 25.

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday May 25th, 2014 approx. 12:30 PM
Location Lake County, Near Indian Valley Reservoir
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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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CA-FKU LODD: CAL FIRE Fresno-Kings Unit Firefighter II Roger Gonzales 32 Years Old [Photo] #CaFire

LODD: CAL FIRE Firefighter Roger Gonzales

CAL FIRE Local 2881 is saddened to report that Fresno-Kings Unit Firefighter II Roger Gonzales was found deceased in his home on Wednesdy, May 21, 2014.

Brother Gonzales had just returned from fighting the San Diego complex fires. He was only 32 years old. Brother Gonzales served over 8 year of service achieving the rank of Firefighter II and completing the Fire Firefighter Academy on November 16, 2013.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his crew as they grieve this tragic loss. 

 Memorial Service

Please check with Cal Fire Fresno-King Unit by calling (559) 493-4300 for details of Brother Gonzales' services, they will be forthcoming as they are available.

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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