Ventura County Mourning the loss of Fire Engineer Ryan Osler #CALODD

Ventura County firefighters are mourning the loss of Fire Engineer Ryan Osler who died when a tanker rolled over Wednesday morning.

Fire Engineer Ryan Osler, 38, and another firefighter were working the Canyon Fire near Vandenberg Air Force Base when the crash happened around 6:20 a.m.

The apparatus, which was carrying 2,000 gallons of water, hit a roundabout at State Route 246 at Purisima Road in Lompoc, according to localtelevision station KSBY.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash had a "violent impact" which caused the apparatus to rollover. 

A special investigation team was summoned to the scene to help determine the cause of the crash.

Osler, the passenger, was trapped in the vehicle and later died.

Osler was assigned Station 42 in Moorpark.

He leaves behind a wife, a 12-year-old daughter and a 11-year-old son, according to the Ventura County Star.

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SFFD Report Details "male-dominated" Culture of Female Harassment

Female CA FF Was Treated Miserably

San Francisco Fire Station 2 Chinatown
Credit Google Maps

 Sept. 23--When a female firefighter scored a choice spot at a station in San Francisco's Chinatown, she was immediately met with resistance by her new male colleagues, including one who asked her an intimidating question: "Do you know how difficult your time is going to be?"

A document obtained by The Chronicle outlines details from an independent investigation into just how miserable her life was made in the "male-dominated" culture of Station 2 at 1340 Powell St., one of the busiest firehouses in the city. The question presented to the female firefighter before her first shift even began was the start of a systematic harassment campaign intended to drive her out of the firehouse, the investigation concluded.

But the months of harassment she endured resulted in Chief Joanne Hayes-White's recent decision to reassign the entire command staff away from the station, blaming "deficiencies in leadership" for creating a "hostile work environment based on gender," according to a separate letter obtained by The Chronicle that was signed by Hayes-White.

Investigators found credible claims that the harassment included urination in the female firefighter's bed and feces left on the floor of the women's bathroom at the station, among other incidents Hayes-White deemed "egregious." After the woman reported it, her co-workers retaliated by branding her a "rat," the report says.

Written by Micki Callahan, the director of human resources for San Francisco, to Hayes-White, the confidential letter recounts a series of instances in which the female firefighter was harassed and discriminated against "because she is a woman."

"The investigation revealed that the culture at Station 2 is hostile and challenging for females," Callahan wrote in her 13-page letter dated Aug. 31.

The harassment began in November 2015, the letter says, when the victim decided to apply to Station 2. It intensified during her first shift in January 2016 and continued for eight shifts through February, when she reported the harassment to department leadership.

Her male co-workers, according to Callahan's report, openly expressed doubts that she was strong enough to hold her own in the field -- "because she is a woman" -- and "more likely than not" referred to her as a "bitch."

The victim told investigators her co-workers tampered with her belongings kept at the firehouse, in one instance pumping her lotion all over the women's bathroom counter and removing her toilet paper.

She started snapping pictures of her personal effects at the end of shifts, the woman told investigators, to see if anyone messed with them in her absence.

Before she started at Station 2, the woman stopped by to introduce herself on Jan. 10, dropping off her firefighting gear for cleaning, a common practice at the station. A male firefighter was found responsible by investigators for hiding her uniform in a cabinet three days later "to make her feel unwelcome." Her gear was never cleaned.

The victim waited seven shifts before reporting the alleged misconduct, the report said, because she wanted to "resolve the situation herself" to avoid having to file a formal complaint.

That's relatively quick for reporting workplace harassment, said Kelly Armstrong, a San Francisco lawyer who has worked on harassment cases for 15 years. Many victims endure the treatment for months or years because they're afraid of retribution, Armstrong said.

Though the report mentioned multiple male firefighters by name, none of them was found specifically responsible for their individual conduct, and witnesses often offered conflicting accounts of the allegations.

Hayes-White is responsible for disciplining firefighters in such situations, including meting out suspensions or firings. While no firefighters from Station 2 were fired or suspended, the chief ordered all officers there to be transferred to other firehouses "on or around" Oct. 8.

An independent agency, the San Francisco Fire Commission, must approve disciplinary measures that exceed a 10-day suspension. The commissioners had no knowledge of the case until reading about it in The Chronicle on Wednesday, a representative said, meaning no suspensions exceeding 10 days were issued by Hayes-White following the investigation.

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CA-AFV Canyon Fire LODD Ventura County Firefighter Died In Water Tender Rollover Near Lompoc Wednesday Morning. #CanyonFire

Ventura County firefighter died in the line of duty while working on the Canyon Fire near Lompoc at the Vandenberg Air Force Base Wednesday morning.


USFA Update: 

USA Firefighter Fatality Notification

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: 

Name: Ryan Osler 
Rank: Fire Engineer

Age: 38

Gender: Male

Status: Career

Years of Service: 18

Date of Incident: 09/21/2016

Time of Incident: 0620hrs

Date of Death: 09/21/2016

  

Fire Department: Ventura County Fire Department

Address: 165 Durley Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93010-8586
Fire Department Chief: Mark Lorenzen

Incident Description: Ventura County Fire Engineer Ryan Osler died from injuries sustained in a fire apparatus crash while it was negotiating a traffic circle enroute to the Canyon Fire on Vandenburg Air Force Base. According to media reports, the water tender truck was loaded with 2,000 gallons of water and struck a curb in the roundabout then overturned. Two Firefighters were in the vehicle when it crashed. The passenger (Engineer Osler) was killed, while the driver suffered minor injuries. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities.

Incident Location: Highway 246 at Purisima Road in Lompoc, CA

Tribute is being paid to Fire Engineer Ryan Osler at http://apps.usfa.fema.gov/firefighter-fatalities/

  

To date, 63 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2016.  Year-to-date and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at https://www.usfa.fema.gov/data/statistics/ff_fatality_reports.html

Ventura County Fire Department LODD CAL OES Water Tender Rollover
Credit: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016. Lompoc (KEYT)

Fire Engineer Ryan Osler was driving a fire water tender truck that reportedly rolled over near a roundabout on Highway 246 near Purisima Road. Lompoc, CACredit: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016. Lompoc (KEYT)

The Ventura County Fire Department said in a Twitter tweet that the firefighter died after a vehicle accident.
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With heavy hearts @VCFD Fire Chief announces tragic loss of Fire Engineer Ryan Osler in line of duty vehicle accident. Details to follow.

— Ventura County Fire (@VCFD) September 21, 2016

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The Ventura Copunty fire department said in a Facebook post that the firefighter died after a truck he was in rolled over on Purisima Road. The fire engineer, identified as Ryan Osler, was the passenger in the truck and sustained fatal injuries.
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Ventura County Fire Department

1 hr · 

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Ventura County Fire Chief announces the tragic loss of Fire Engineer Ryan Osler, who lost his life in a line of duty vehicle accident on the Canyon Fire on Wednesday, September 21, 2016.

A second firefighter was involved in the accident and was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

We welcome your thoughts and prayers for the families of these firefighters. We ask that everyone be respectful of the families at this time. Please be patient as information is released. More details will follow soon.

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Incident reports at 6:20 a.m.: A water tender truck was traveling westbound on State Route 246, approaching a roundabout on Purisima Road. The driver ended up hitting a curb on the roundabout, causing the truck to rollover. The driver was taken to a hospital for minor injuries.

California Highway Patrol officers with the Buellton Station are investigating the crash.


Osler worked out of Fire Station 42 in Moorpark. The two firefighters in the water tender were providing help in the Canyon Fire, which ignited in a remote canyon near the Vandenberg Air Force Base on Sunday. The #CanyonFire has grown to 19 square miles and is 45 percent contained.

More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze.
Voluntary evacuations were also ordered for about 400 residents in San Miguelito Canyon.

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LODD @VCFD tragic loss of Fire Engineer Ryan Osler in vehicle accident involving #CAOES WT rollover, w/ additl FF injury #CAfire

— CAL FIRE NEWS (@CalFireNews) September 21, 2016

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The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) provides fire protection and emergency response services for the unincorporated areas of Ventura County, California, and for six other cities within the county. Together, these areas compose the Ventura County Fire Protection District in the state of California, USA.
 The Ventura County Board of Supervisors is the fire district's board of directors. These five elected supervisors appoint the fire chief, and task him with providing fire protection services for the district.
In addition to the unincorporated areas of Ventura County, the department currently provides the following cities with service: Camarillo, Moorpark, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks.

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CA-YNP Mariposa Grove Fire - Yosemite Mariposa Grove Prescribed Wildfire #MariposaGroveFire

Yosemite National Park Mariposa Grove Prescribed Fire

Mariposa Grove Prescribed Fire

Yosemite National Park fire managers are planning a 137 acre Mariposa Grove prescribed fire in the coming weeks, weather and air quality permitting. Ignition will take approximately two to three days with an additional seven to 14 days of active burn down.

Smoke will be present during the prescribed fire and in the Wawona area. Fire managers are working with the Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District (MCAPCD) to time the project to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke, affecting health, is always a consideration in the decision to schedule prescribed fires. A smoke management plan has been submitted to the MCAPCD, and a burn permit has been issued. A smoke monitor will be placed in nearby communities to monitor smoke.

Yosemite’s Fire Management ProgramHistorically, natural fire burned an average of 16,000 acres annually in Yosemite National Park and played an integral role in shaping Yosemite’s ecosystem. Yosemite’s Fire Management Program works to balance the protection of life, property, and natural and cultural resources with the restoration of fire as a natural process. Due to decades of fire suppression (actively putting out any fire that started), many areas have become overgrown, unhealthy, and increasingly vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire.

The Mariposa Grove project is near the top of the Grove from Wawona Point to the south. Fire managers want to take advantage of the Mariposa Grove closure to conduct the project. The Grove is closed to the public because of a major restoration project. Burning at this time will minimize impacts to public use. Burning in the Mariposa Grove is a continuous process; the targeted areas have had 1-3 prescribed fires in the past 30 years, and continued burning is required to maintain healthy forest conditions. Fire produces the optimum conditions for Giant Sequoia reproduction and propagation. Fire not only removes the accumulated layers of dead woody debris exposing nutrient rich mineral soil, but dries the cones allowing the seeds to shed. In addition, fire creates holes in the forest canopy, while eliminating shade tolerate competition.

Park employees, community members, and visitors can expect to see fire personnel from various federal and state agencies conducting burning operations during the Mariposa Grove prescribed fire.

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CAL FIRE Housekeeping: Longtime CAL FIRE XO Leading Personnel Cleanup. #CAfire #CALFIRE

Longtime CAL FIRE executive to lead department’s personnel cleanup

With his department still recovering from scandal, Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott recently recorded a video urging his employees to make it "a leader in fire protection emergency response and resource management for California.” Cal Fire

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article102133122.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article75198482.html

Cal Fire is turning to a longtime executive from its communications and business staff to lead a professional standards outfit that Gov. Jerry Brown proposed after a series of personnel scandals embarrassed the agency.

Monte Manson, chief of business services at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, will move into his new position on Monday.

He’ll lead a professional standards program that will be charged with training employees on appropriate conduct, updating personnel policies, investigating high-profile misconduct and carrying out background checks, according to a Sept. 2 memo from Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott.

Thirteen employees are expected to report to him when the program reaches its full staff.

“Throughout his career with Cal Fire, Monte has gained invaluable experience, and he brings to this position a strong and extensive administrative background. His ability to develop and cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and his skills in training and policy development will serve him well as he develops this new program,” Pimlott wrote in announcing Manson’s promotion.

Manson joined Cal Fire in 1995 in the department’s communications office. He also worked in its budget, occupational safety and administrative offices. He was promoted to chief of business services in 2013 after spending five years as the department’s procurement officer.

The state budget included a $4 million boost for Cal Fire to launch the program. Brown called for its creation in the wake of revelations that followed a Cal Fire battalion chief’s murder of his mistress in the Elk Grove house they shared. Orville “Moe” Fleming is serving 16 years to life for second-degree murder.

Subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct at the academy prompted Pimlott to commission a California Highway Patrol probe that led to resignations, dismissals or demotions of 16 employees.

Sacramento Bee investigations last year also revealed that Cal Fire employees cheated to win promotions, drank on state time, used state property for personal business, and stored and shared inappropriate pictures and sex links on their state phones.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article102133122.html#storylink=cpy

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California firefighter awarded Medal of Valor

Calif. firefighter awarded Medal of ValorAlex Wallbrett was recognized for coming to the aid of a coworker who was stabbed by a bystander last year

Governor Brown and Attorney General Harris with San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Firefighter Alexander Wallbret. (Photo/California Governor’s Office)

SAN DIEGO — A firefighter received the state’s Medal of Valor Monday for intervening in an assault on a colleague.

Alex Wallbrett came to the aid of coworker Ben Vernon June 24, 2015. The crew was treating a sick and drunk man in downtown San Diego, when a bystander began to stab Vernon repeatedly. The wounds left Vernon with a punctured lung and other injuries.

Wallbrett jumped a fence and placed himself between the attacker, 34-year-old Ryan Allen Jones, and Vernon. As a result of wrestling Jones, Wallbrett sustained several stab wounds, including one dangerously close to his spine.

“Alex is truly one of San Diego’s finest, and his selfless bravery saved the life of a fellow firefighter,” Mayor Kevin Faulconer said during the ceremony, CBS 8 reported. “His actions prove that San Diego’s first responders are second to none … Alex does all of San Diego proud in receiving this award.”

Jones was convicted of attempted manslaughter and assault with a deadly weapon and sentenced to at least 23 years in prison.

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CA-KNF Gap Fire, Klamath National Forest, 33,867 acres and 85% #CAfire

Gap Fire Daily Update: September 13, 2016

Happy Camp, CA—The Gap Fire, on the Klamath National Forest, is 33,867 acres and 85 percent contained. The acreage increase is due to a change in mapping methods. The acreage figure includes all acres—burned and unburned—within the fire perimeter. Two community meetings are scheduled: one today, September 13, at 6 pm at Seiad Valley fire station and one tomorrow, September 14, at 6 pm at Horse Creek Community Church. Motorists might experience temporary closures on Highway 96 due to fire-suppression activity or crews moving equipment. Residents and visitors in the area are likely to see smoke and occasional fire as unburned vegetation continues to ignite inside the fire perimeter. During yesterday’s operational period a red-flag warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity began at 2 pm. Although the northwest firelines were tested, crews successfully kept the fire within containment lines. Elsewhere around the fire perimeter, firefighters mopped up containment lines, repaired contingency lines, and backhauled excess equipment and trash.  The red-flag warning has been lifted. Today, firefighters will concentrate on locating and extinguishing isolated heat sources along the western perimeter to keep the fire from spotting over the last remaining section of uncontained line. These heat sources range from smoldering tree stumps to burning interior islands of vegetation. Helicopters will be available for water drops. Additional firefighters and heavy equipment are on standby and will respond to new fire starts as needed. Crews will continue to backhaul, mop up, and patrol the firelines. South of the fire area, firefighters are repairing contingency lines—dozer and hand lines—constructed during the fire-suppression phase. A Forest Closure remains in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. The Beaver Creek Road is closed at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). Beaver Creek Road remains open to the east 2118(48N01). The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474 For additional information on air quality, please visit http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ andhttp://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/ For additional information and pictures, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4997/   Firefighting Resources on the Gap Fire     Crews 19 Engines 43 Heavy Equipment 11 dozers, 30 water tenders, 1 masticator, 5 chippers, 5 excavators Helicopters 3 Fixed Wing Aircraft Ordered as needed Total resources 1,082

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CA-YNP Yosemite Ahwahnee Meadow Prescribed Burn Mariposa County

AHWAHNEE MEADOW – Prescribed Burn - Mariposa County

Ignition of the 62 acre prescribed burn at Ahwahnee Meadow began today; a total of 50 acres were completed. The remaining 12 acres will be scheduled for ignition tomorrow morning, Tuesday September 13, 2016.

Smoke will be present during burning operations. Smoke, affecting health, is always a consideration in the decision to schedule prescribed fires. Community members and visitors who are sensitive to smoke may want to close their windows and doors and/or consider leaving the area during active ignition of the project in order to reduce exposure.

The objective of this prescribed burn is ecosystem restoration. Historically, natural fire burned an average of 16,000 acres annually in Yosemite National Park and played an integral role in shaping Yosemite’s ecosystem. Yosemite’s Fire Management program is designed to balance the protection of life, property and natural and cultural resources with the continuation of fire as a nature process. Applying fire under prescribed conditions mimics the frequent, low intensity, lightning caused fires. Fire also allows for the recycling of nutrients to the soil, which encourages the germination and regrowth of plants, shrubs, and trees.

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CA-YNP Lakes Fire - Yosemite Fire Update [Map]

Yosemite Fires

Update 9-12-16: CA-YNP LAKES 

Location: 37 35.6 x 119 33.6 approximate 8000 feet elevation Mariposa County

The Lakes Fire in the Chilnualna Lakes area, between Turner Meadow and Buena Vista Peak, is a lightning caused fire that is being managed for multiple objectives.  An aerial flight was performed on September 10, 2016 and the fire was reported to be 755 acres in size.  The fire had previously spread to the area of the 1999 Chil Fire area and is most active on the northwest and west edge of the perimeter.  Smoke has been visible from various locations within the park and surrounding area.

Yosemite National Park Superintendent, Don Neubacher, signed a trail closure effective August 25, 2016, as the fire had crossed the trail along Chilnualna Creek.  Please reference the trail segment marked on the accompanying map.

AHWAHNEE MEADOW – Prescribed Burn

            Mariposa County

Yosemite National Park fire managers are planning a 62 acre Ahwahnee Meadow prescribed burn the week of September 12, 2016.  Ignition will take approximately one day and an additional two to four days of active burn down.

Smoke will be present during the prescribed fire and in Yosemite Valley.  Fire managers are working with the Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District (MCAPCD) to time the project to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke, affecting health, is always a consideration in the decision to schedule prescribed fires.  A burn permit has been issued to Yosemite National Park by MCAPCD.  Community members who are sensitive to smoke may want to close their windows and doors and/or consider leaving the area during active ignition of the project in order to reduce their exposure

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Yosemite Fire Lakes Fire Map – September 9, 2016

Update 9-6-16:
Location: 37 35.6 x 119 33.6 approximate 8000 feet elevation Mariposa County

The Lakes Fire in the Chilnualna Lakes area, between Turner Meadow and Buena Vista Peak, is a lightning caused fire that is being managed for multiple objectives.  Yosemite Crew 1 personnel hiked into the fire on September 6, 2016 and reported it to be 280 acres.  The fire had previously spread to the area of the 1999 Chil Fire area and is now most active on the northwest and west edge of the perimeter.  Smoke is visible from various locations within the park and surrounding area.

The Superintendent signed a trail closure effective August 25, 2016, as the fire had crossed the trail along Chilnualna Creek.  Please reference the trail segment marked on the accompanying map.

The Lakes Fire was initially confirmed on July 7, 2016 when Crew 1 personnel responded to reports of smoke in the area.  The fire is believed to be a lightning hold over from June 12, 2016. 

Lightning fires are a natural occurrence and play a vital role in shaping this fire dependent ecosystem.  Each year, lightning strikes may result in multiple fires in Yosemite’s wilderness.  By managing these fires for resource benefit, as opposed to suppressing them, we can ensure a healthier, more diverse and natural forest where future fires will burn with less intensity.

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NOT LUCK

NOT LUCK HOMEOWNER FUEL MITIGATION, PRE-FIRE PLANNING AND FIREFIGHTERS HARD WORK

OWNER MITIGATION + FIREFIGHTER HARD WORK = SUCCESS
Photo: InciWeb

CAL FIRE Defensible Space Clearance Tips For Homeowners

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your home from wildland fire no matter where you live.

• Create and maintain clearance around your home. Proper clearance to 100 feet dramatically increases the chance of your house surviving a wildfire. This 100 foot defensible space also provides for firefighter safety when protecting homes during a wildland fire.
• Burn debris only on permissive burn days.
• Cut weeds and dry grass before 10 a.m. when the humidity is higher and temperatures are cooler to reduce the chance of igniting a fire (39K PDF).
• Follow proper guidelines for burning debris (106K PDF) on your property.
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More Great Detailed Defensible Space Tips At http://www.readyforwildfire.org/

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