Holiday Safety Tips: December is the peak month for candle fires

December is the peak month for candle fires and Christmas is the peak day.

Christmas season safety tips provided by the Orange County Fire Authority:

People have safely enjoyed using candles for centuries. Their colors and scents enhance everyday life and evoke memories of special events. Candles are a source of light and delight when used properly and according to manufacturers’ directions. However, if certain precautions are not taken by the consumer, candles can also become a factor in a chain of events that can result in unnecessary injury and even death.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) currently estimates that candles are
responsible for approximately 15,600 residential structure fires each year and cause 1,270
civilian injuries, 150 fatalities, and $539 million in property losses. December is the peak month for candle fires and Christmas is the peak day.

Candle Safety Tips
Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
Use sturdy, safe candleholders.
Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Extinguish candles when you leave a room.
Be careful not to splatter wax when extinguishing a candle.
Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
Always use a flashlight, not a candle, for emergency lighting.
Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
Candles and Children
Keep candles up high out of reach of children.
Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle.
A child should not sleep in a room with a lit candle.
Don't allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
During Power Outages
Use a flashlight instead of a candle whenever possible.
Avoid carrying a lit candle.
Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space.
Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a
kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.
Candle Usage Tips
Recommended burning time is one hour per inch diameter of the candle.
Hold your finger in front of the flame as you blow the candle out, The air will flow around
your finger and extinguish the candle from both sides.
This prevents any hot wax from splattering.
Keep wax pool free of wick trimmings and debris.
For More Information
www.ocfa.org
www.nfpa.org
www.candles.org
www.usfa.fema.gov

The USFA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System, and the National Fire Protection
Agency, suggest that candle fire incidents occur most often in the bedroom (40%); followed
by the living room, family room or den (17%); the bathroom (14%); the kitchen (8%); 3%
started unclassified function areas; and 3% started in dining rooms or bar areas. Most
candle fire incidents are found to be due to consumer inattention to basic fire safety or to
the misuse of candles. Nearly 50 percent of residential candle fires reportedly occurred
because a combustible item was placed too close to the candle. In addition, nearly 18
percent occurred because candles were unattended, abandoned or inadequately
controlled.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued 30 recalls of nearly 5.4 million candles or candleholders since 1993. These recalls have been because the candle flame burns several inches above the candle or candleholder, which themselves are flammable.

The Leading Causes for Residential Candle Fire Incidents Were Reported as Follows:
Too close to combustibles
55%
Candle unattended
18%
Falling asleep
12%
Control of flame
10%
Child playing
5%

Please checkout the Orange website for more information: Candle Safety - www.ocfa.org

SAR: Technical Rescues in Maryland pipeline break- 66-inch water main

BETHESDA, Md.(CFN) -- Firefighters and deployed Swift Water Search and Rescue SAR teams successfully rescued all victims who were stranded Tuesday in at least 4 feet of water following a massive water main break just outside Washington, D.C.

The Motorists and passengers were rescued by a Fire engine driving into rushing waters, lowered baskets, rope rigged escorted walking and and a boat anchored by a winch.
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission says it cannot get to the area to shut the water off right now. Crews are trying to go further up the line to shut it off.

IA: Technical Rescue- Swift Water Search and Rescue:
Multiple victims trapped in vehicles caught in the unexpected flood of fast moving water 6" to 6' deep.
Location: River Road, Bethesda, Maryland - Along road in multiple locations near the Congressional Country Club
Victims: Eight to Twelve rescued from vehicles trapped in swift water after pipeline break. Some victims self-rescued to baskets lowered by helicopter. A boat also was being used as rescuers attempted to reach motorists in the frigid water.
Montgomery County Fire Department spokesman Pete Piringer said at least a dozen people had been rescued from their vehicles as crews struggled with the swift water to reach more cars.
Injuries: No serious injuries were reported, Some of the people who were rescued are suffering from symptoms of hypothermia, but their condition is not considered life Threatening.
Road Closures: The road is completely flooded; commuters are strongly advised to find an alternative route. Bradley Boulevard and River Road are closed to traffic. The flooded area is outside the beltway between Bradley Road and the Capital Beltway.

Emergency crews launched boats into the swiftly-flowing water

An emergency services helicopter rescues motorists by air

Passengers were trapped in their vehicles in the freezing water

Emergency crews mount a water rescue of stranded motorists

Video: ABC& - WJLA - Link

LAFD: XXX IC - Commercial Structure Fire - Porn Studios

Commercial Structure Fire - Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire in a building known for it's Adult Film studios.

Fire confined to studios and offices in single story commercial building losses held to about 20%.
Location: 8037 Remmet Ave; Canoga Park - Near Strathern Street
MAP 530 A3; FS 106;
IA: Single story commercial with fire showing.
Resources: 100 firefighters, Greater alarm assignment dispatched.
Final Sizeup: Crews knocked down the fire in 23 minutes. 20% damage to structure.
No injuries reported.
Comms: Ch:8,17 @2:19 AM -Cecil Manresa###

Notes: Sseveral of the units used as studios in adult films. Most of the other spaces were offices.

Earthquake swarm in Central California today near Tres Pinos, California

The Earthquake activity in Central California today near Tres Pinos, California includes 4.1 and 3.7 magnitude earthquakes and appears to be located on the San Andreas fault.

Approximate distance of Seismic Event from population centers:

Tres Pinos, CA - 13 km (8 miles) S (172 degrees)
Pinnacles, CA - 21 km (13 miles) NW (319 degrees)
Hollister, CA - 21 km (13 miles) SSE (156 degrees)
Chualar, CA - 22 km (14 miles) ENE (58 degrees)
San Jose City Hall, CA - 91 km (56 miles) SE (144 degrees)

Update time = Sun Dec 21 11:03:11 PST 2008
Here are the 16 most recent earthquakes in California at time of post.

 MAG    DATE    LOCAL-TIME  LAT     LON    DEPTH    LOCATION
 y/m/d     h:m:s     deg     deg     km

MAP	1.2	2008/12/21 20:24:07	36.675	-121.305	6.3	13 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	3.7	2008/12/21 20:09:33	36.677	-121.304	6.5	13 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	1.6	2008/12/21 19:42:18	36.680	-121.311	5.8	12 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	2.0	2008/12/21 19:00:10	36.677	-121.312	7.0	13 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	2.4	2008/12/21 18:59:33	36.676	-121.331	7.8	13 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	3.0	2008/12/21 18:58:47	36.684	-121.314	6.6	12 km ( 7 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	2.0	2008/12/21 18:39:22	36.683	-121.313	6.9	12 km ( 7 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	2.2	2008/12/21 18:17:41	36.678	-121.308	5.9	13 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	2.6	2008/12/21 18:16:24	36.679	-121.309	5.4	12 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	2.2	2008/12/21 18:06:25	36.680	-121.306	4.4	12 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	1.2	2008/12/21 18:03:15	36.681	-121.307	5.4	12 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	2.5	2008/12/21 17:56:48	36.682	-121.311	4.7	12 km ( 7 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	1.1	2008/12/21 17:40:35	36.675	-121.306	6.1	13 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	4.1	2008/12/21 17:35:36	36.676	-121.301	6.9	13 km ( 8 mi) S of Tres Pinos, CA
MAP	1.8	2008/12/21 15:57:47	37.289	-121.668	1.9	15 km ( 9 mi) E of Seven Trees, CA
MAP	1.3	2008/12/21 08:53:46	36.848	-121.309	7.6	7 km ( 4 mi) N of Tres Pinos, CA

Earthquake: 4.1 M Tres Pinos, Pinnacles, Ca area

Seismic Event: Pinnacles, Calif. (CFN) - U.S.G.S. reporting central California has been shaken by an earthquake measuring magnitude-4.1, which is strong enough to be noticed but without producing any reports of damage or injuries.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the Sunday morning temblor was centered eight miles south of the unincorporated town of Tres Pinos, about 56 miles south of San Jose.

This was a very shallow quake and was was focused at about four miles beneath the surface.

No damage or injuries reported, A dispatcher for the San Benito County sheriff's office said the quake was felt, but no one complained of any damage or injuries.

PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT

Recent Earthquakes in California and Nevada

Version #3: This report supersedes any earlier reports of this event.
This Seismic Event has been reviewed by a seismologist.

A light earthquake occurred at 9:35:36 AM (PST) on Sunday, December 21, 2008.
The magnitude 4.1 event occurred 13 km (8 miles) S of Tres Pinos, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 7 km ( 4 miles).

---

Magnitude	4.1 - regional moment magnitude (Mw)
Time	Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 9:35:36 AM (PST) Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 17:35:36 (UTC)
Distance from	Tres Pinos, CA - 13 km (8 miles) S (172 degrees) Pinnacles, CA - 21 km (13 miles) NW (319 degrees) Hollister, CA - 21 km (13 miles) SSE (156 degrees) Chualar, CA - 22 km (14 miles) ENE (58 degrees) San Jose City Hall, CA - 91 km (56 miles) SE (144 degrees)
Coordinates	36 deg. 40.5 min. N (36.676N), 121 deg. 18.1 min. W (121.301W)
Depth	6.9 km (4.3 miles)
Location Quality	Excellent
Location Quality Parameters	Nst=232, Nph=232, Dmin=3 km, Rmss=0.07 sec, Erho=0.1 km, Erzz=0.3 km, Gp=39.6 degrees
Event ID#	nc51213534

---> Please visit earthquake pages at - http://quake.usgs.gov/ <--- including new CA-NV pages at - http://quake.usgs.gov/recenteqs/latest.htm

LAFD: Off duty death - Captain John E. Lawrence

Firefighters Mourn the Passing of Captain John E. Lawrence

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department welcome you to join firefighters and friends of the LAFD on Saturday, December 20, 2008 in celebrating the life of Captain John E. Lawrence, who passed away unexpectedly while off duty.

Memorial Service:
Saturday,December 20, 2008
10:00 AM
LAFD Air Operations/Fire Station 114
16617 Arminta Street
Van Nuys, California 91406

Interment: Immediately following the Memorial Service
Oakwood Memorial Park
22601 Lassen Street
Chatsworth, California 91311

Reception To Follow:
Los Angeles Fire Department
Fire Station 28
11641 Corbin Avenue
Porter Ranch, California 91326

In Lieu of Flowers, Donations are Kindly Requested:
Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund
815 Colorado Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90041

.



As seen in the video above, Captain II John E. Lawrence was an active member of the Los Angeles Fire Department on the cusp of retirement. A 34-year LAFD veteran, he was widely respected in the community as well as within the ranks of the Fire Service. He will be greatly missed.

Comments: Are welcome and feel free to leave comments here but additionally The LAFD Blog will be best place for your on-line condolences and are welcome via this comment link at the LAFD Blog
They will be printed and shared with his family.

News: Great Southern California ShakeOut Successful

Results Are In: Great Southern California ShakeOut Successful, Sets U.S. Record!

Now Planning for 2009

Los Angeles - It's working! On November 13, 2008 more than 5.47 million people in southern California participated in The Great Southern California ShakeOut, now officially the largest earthquake drill in the Nation's history - and according to some community leaders, a success that should be practiced every year.

"This is the best single effort in emergency preparedness in my nearly 20 years in the business," wrote Mike Martinet, Executive Director, South Bay Office of Disaster Management (Area G). "I hope that we can continue to use this scenario or some variations thereof for years to come."

The Great Southern California ShakeOut was a week of events, including the drill, all based on the 7.8 Magnitude San Andreas Fault earthquake scenario. All the resources, tools and information are still readily available at http://www.shakeout.org/. Much of the concept and organization came out of the Earthquake Country Alliance, a public-private partnership, which includes the US Geological Survey, Southern California Earthquake Center, California Office of Emergency Services, Caltech, State Farm, City of Los Angeles, Art Center College of Design, and many other partners.

When organizers of The ShakeOut concluded the historic week of earthquake preparedness events, including millions taking part in the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" drill, they convened a meeting of emergency managers and community leaders to examine value of the effort. When asked what could be done better, the participants overwhelmingly supported the idea of turning it into an annual day or week of disaster preparedness activities.

"We didn't know when we set out to do this, if anyone would participate," said Lucy Jones, Chief Scientist of the USGS Multi-Hazards Demonstration Project. "They did, and we're now getting calls to do something annually."

The requests to continue the effort have been so constant over the past month that the Earthquake Country Alliance has agreed to look into expanding into a statewide organization. "We certainly have heard many ideas of how we can get more people involved - and we'd like to do just that!" said Mark Benthien, Executive Director of the Earthquake Country Alliance and Outreach Director for the Southern California Earthquake Center. "We hope that an annual ShakeOut-like drill will be part of an expanded statewide earthquake awareness program for many years."

One month after the Great Southern California ShakeOut, people are still talking about what they did during the ShakeOut Drill. Emergency managers and community leaders are talking about what worked and what could have been done better, and where to go next. Among their suggestions: improved communications with citizens groups, neighborhood watch groups, and the public; getting more buy-in from the top-level in many organizations, businesses, and educational institutions; and giving people more time to get ready.

When asked what worked in the ShakeOut, numerous participants told organizers how the effort was based on comprehensive and multidisciplinary science, coupled with materials that explained and visualized it so clearly, and led by established experts that gave ShakeOut credibility and made people take it seriously. Despite the seriousness, many considered the experience to be fun. ShakeOut organizers received many photos from around the region showing people under tables and desks performing Drop, Cover, and Hold On - smiling.

MORE SHAKEOUT FACTS AND QUOTES

How does more than 5 million people compare to other drills around the world? The massive annual earthquake drills in seismically hyper-active Japan draw an estimated 800,000 participants, while a May 2008 drill in South Korea may have involved as many as 8.2 million people. Organizers here hope to expand the level of participation and range of life-saving preparedness activities in 2009!

ShakeOut Total Participants: 5.47 million

• Imperial: 44,407
• Kern: 107,734
• Los Angeles: 2.7 million
• Orange: 896,669
• Riverside: 590,677
• San Bernardino: 501,677
• San Diego: 468,878
• Ventura: 83,472
• Other: 59,369

RRU News: Steven Vaughn, To face trial on charges of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds and conflict of interest.

Trial ordered for ex-Riverside County employee accused of embezzlement

From The Press-Enterprise - Link

A former county employee was held to answer on embezzlement charges Friday and his bail was lowered.

Steven Vaughn, 63, has been at the Robert Presley Detention Center since January 2007, when he was arrested on $1.2 million bail.

On Friday evening, his family was working to post the new bail of $50,000, said Deputy Public Defender Addison Steele.

Steven Vaughn

After a preliminary hearing held over parts of two weeks, Judge J. Thompson Hanks declared the prosecution had enough evidence to proceed to trial on charges of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds and conflict of interest. Hanks also lowered the bail.

Steele argued the initial bail amount was excessive.

The prosecution alleges the theft occurred between 1999 and 2004 with losses estimated at $1.2 million. The criminal investigation also led to an audit of Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department that found inadequate financial oversight.

Co-defendant Michael Burton served as the Riverside County Fire Department communications and technology director at the time and was sentenced Dec. 12 to seven years and four months in prison.

Vaughn, a retired sheriff's lieutenant, was being paid by the Fire Department in a classification for volunteer firefighters. At the same time, he was working for his son's company, Aslyn Communications, according to testimony.

Vaughn requested county contracts for his son's company, totalling more than 400 invoices and $170,000.

Calif. Court: Would-be Good Samaritan can be sued

AP LOS ANGELES -- Proving that no good deed goes unpunished, the state's high court on Thursday said a would-be Good Samaritan accused of rendering her friend paraplegic by pulling her from a wrecked car "like a rag doll" can be sued.

California's Supreme Court ruled that the state's Good Samaritan law only protects people from liability if the are administering emergency medical care, and that Lisa Torti's attempted rescue of her friend didn't qualify.

Justice Carlos Moreno wrote for a unanimous court that a person is not obligated to come to someone's aid.

"If, however, a person elects to come to someone's aid, he or she has a duty to exercise due care," he wrote.

Torti had argued that she should still be protected from a lawsuit because she was giving "medical care" when she pulled her friend from a car wreck.

Alexandra Van Horn was in the front passenger seat of a car that slammed into a light pole at 45 mph on Nov. 1, 2004, according to her negligence lawsuit.

Torti was a passenger in a car that was following behind the vehicle and stopped after the crash. Torti said when she came across the wreck she feared the car was going to explode and pulled Van Horn out. Van Horn testified that Torti pulled her out of the wreckage "like a rag doll." Van Horn blamed her friend for her paralysis.

Whether Torti is ultimately liable is still to be determined, but Van Horn's lawsuit can go forward, the Supreme Court ruled.

Beverly Hills lawyer Robert Hutchinson, who represented Van Horn, said he's pleased with the ruling.

Torti's attorney, Ronald Kent of Los Angeles, didn't immediately return a telephone call for comment.

Source: Sac Bee - Link
By PAUL ELIAS
Associated Press

Rotary Aircraft down - Swanson Aviation Helicopter

Aircraft Down yesterday - A mechanic from Arizona was killed Wednesday when a helicopter contracted to lift a new power line spiraled out of control in high winds and crashed near Santa Clarita.

IA: 12-1708 9:40 a.m. Rotary Aircraft down.
Location: Area of Bouquet Canyon and Vasquez Canyon roads, Northeast of the Santa Clarita neighborhood of Saugus.
Fatality: Identified early Wednesday evening by Craig Harvey of the coroner's office as Curtis Dale Cauthen, 31, from Arizona. His hometown in Arizona was not released.
Injuries: The helicopter pilot suffered a minor injury, said Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration. The helicopters tail was split in two as the vessel lay upside down on a plateau.
Aircraft: The tail registration number indicates the helicopter is an experimental helicopter built by Kaman Aerospace in 2003, and used for firefighting and industrial lifting projects, according to FAA records.

Swanson Aviation was hired by an Edison contractor, Parr Electric, to string high-voltage lines into Los Angeles from Central California. The 4.5-megawatt line will bring wind-generated electricity from Tehachapi Pass to the
Southland.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. -- A mechanic from Arizona was killed Wednesday when a helicopter lifting a new power line spiraled out of control in high winds and crashed near Santa Clarita, The helicopter crashed during high winds, said Inspector Ron Haralson of the county fire department.
County fire Inspector Frank Garrido said the helicopter spiraled out of control and crashed, killing a mechanic on the ground.
"It was hovering above the ground. A gust of wind made the helicopter spiral," Garrido said.
A spokesman for Southern California Edison said the victim and pilot worked for Swanson Aviation, an out-of-state firm hired to string a major electrical transmission line.
According to the preliminary investigation, the pilot "was in the process of lifting off" when the helicopter crashed, Gregor said. The crash was under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, Gregor said.

Photo source: Link