DIVISION 3 HEADS-UP 7/24/05
DIRECTIONAL / RETAINING PIN ON FOUR-WAY VALVE
The Water Flow Directional Indicator on the 4" Four-Way Valve visually indicates the direction of water flow.
However, the directional indicator (steel pin with yellow rubber cap) also serves as a retaining pin for the internal gear system that provides mechanical advantage during valve operation.
The Water Flow Directional Indicator on the 4" Four-Way Valve visually indicates the direction of water flow.
However, the directional indicator (steel pin with yellow rubber cap) also serves as a retaining pin for the internal gear system that provides mechanical advantage during valve operation.
On July 24, 2005, a directional indicator/retaining pin fell out of a Four-Way Valve during a training exercise and rendered the Four-Way Valve inoperative.
The exact cause as to why the pin worked loose is unknown. The pin may have been installed incorrectly or vibrated loose during vehicle operation (unsure). The Supply and Maintenance Division, Equipment Engineering Unit has been notified.
All Engineers need to inspect all Four-Way Valves to ensure that water-flow directional / retaining pins are solidly seated by physically pulling on the pin with your hand. (Do not use tools) Please notify the Equipment Engineering Unit (485-6106) of any problems you may encounter.
Be safe out there!
JOHN HAWKINS SPEAKS AT COCEP
Nationally recognized speaker Deputy Chief John R. Hawkins was the speaker at last weeks COCEP training at FHMTC. Deputy Chief Hawkins is currently assigned to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Riverside County Fire Department.
His presentation focused on the command aspects of large scale brush fires with a particular emphasis on Firefighter Safety.
Specific topics included:
1. I-Zone* Firefighting (*Interface)
2. Large Fire Keys
3. Incident Commander Tricks of the Trade
4. Case Study Reviews of Firefighter Deaths and Injuries.
Chief Hawkins has been designated as the Incident Commander on a number of significant Wildland Incidents and is perhaps best known as the Incident Commander of the 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego County. He is pictured above briefing President Bush on the Cedar Incident.
Additional photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Deputy Chief Hawkins' presentation was both informative and thought provoking. All members are highly encouraged to take any opportunity offered to attend one of Chief Hawkins' outstanding seminars.
MORE CHANCES FOR THUNDERSTORMS 7/24
While we dodged a bullet on Saturday, thunderstorms are not out of the question for Sunday afternoon. The remnants of Hurricane Emily continue to stream into the Southland. Watch to the east...that is where your weather will be coming from over the next couple of days. Expect highs in the high 90's with relative humidity around 30%, not high by East Coast standards but muggy for us.
EXTREME HEAT EMERGENCY 7/17/05
The Battalion 14 Commanders would like to remind all members that with record extreme temperatures expected for the upcoming week certain measures may be taken to reduce the risk of heat related emergencies while working in hot environments. These measures include the following:
1. Hydrate early and often. Proper hydration during periods of high temperatures is critical. Remember that if you wait until you're thirsty to drink it may be too late to prevent the onset of heat exhaustion or a more severe heat related emergency.
2. Pace yourself. To insure that you're there at the finish remember that the same tasks that are easily completed at a fire or other emergency are a lot tougher when fighting the heat associated with extreme weather conditions. You're not effective over the long haul if you go too hard too early.
3. Work as a team. Get together with your commander and the members of your company and develop a plan that involves sharing the load. You'll get more done with less stress if you work as a team to carry out tasks that could normally be accomplished by a single individual when working in weather conditions that are less extreme.
4. Help your buddy. Be on the lookout for other members that start to display the early signs of heat exhaustion. Utilize those EMT skills that you worked so hard to gain to identify those members with the warning signs.
5. Be honest with yourself. Nobody wants to be thought of as a "slacker" but it's not the smartest move to literally work yourself to the point of exhaustion when the heat may stop your body from fully recovering.
6. Incident Commanders - Upgrade the establishnment of a Rehab Group and a Medical Group in your list of priorities when working at an extended incident during times of high temperatures. Call for appropriate resources early and consider that members may fatigue earlier in the course of an incident. Develop a relief plan as early as possible and establish a Safety Officer if warranted in order to determine the safety of the company members on scene in relation to the tougher working conditions.
7. Company Commanders - Assign tasks that are more easily met and adjust your epxectations to coincide with what may be more realistic goals in relation to the influence of the high temperatures on your crew. Members will fatigue more quickly and will need to be relieved earlier during periods of extreme weather. Realize that your people may fight to "stay in there" but take on the responsibility of enforcing proper rest and rehab before the heat takes its' toll. Be very aggressive in insuring the safety of your members in these conditions.
8. All members - Use common sense and don't try to do too much in conditions that could quickly jeopardize your safety and well being at the scene of an emergency. Record heat can make it tough on all of us if we don't adjust our performance and expectations accordingly.
Stay Safe!
1. Hydrate early and often. Proper hydration during periods of high temperatures is critical. Remember that if you wait until you're thirsty to drink it may be too late to prevent the onset of heat exhaustion or a more severe heat related emergency.
2. Pace yourself. To insure that you're there at the finish remember that the same tasks that are easily completed at a fire or other emergency are a lot tougher when fighting the heat associated with extreme weather conditions. You're not effective over the long haul if you go too hard too early.
3. Work as a team. Get together with your commander and the members of your company and develop a plan that involves sharing the load. You'll get more done with less stress if you work as a team to carry out tasks that could normally be accomplished by a single individual when working in weather conditions that are less extreme.
4. Help your buddy. Be on the lookout for other members that start to display the early signs of heat exhaustion. Utilize those EMT skills that you worked so hard to gain to identify those members with the warning signs.
5. Be honest with yourself. Nobody wants to be thought of as a "slacker" but it's not the smartest move to literally work yourself to the point of exhaustion when the heat may stop your body from fully recovering.
6. Incident Commanders - Upgrade the establishnment of a Rehab Group and a Medical Group in your list of priorities when working at an extended incident during times of high temperatures. Call for appropriate resources early and consider that members may fatigue earlier in the course of an incident. Develop a relief plan as early as possible and establish a Safety Officer if warranted in order to determine the safety of the company members on scene in relation to the tougher working conditions.
7. Company Commanders - Assign tasks that are more easily met and adjust your epxectations to coincide with what may be more realistic goals in relation to the influence of the high temperatures on your crew. Members will fatigue more quickly and will need to be relieved earlier during periods of extreme weather. Realize that your people may fight to "stay in there" but take on the responsibility of enforcing proper rest and rehab before the heat takes its' toll. Be very aggressive in insuring the safety of your members in these conditions.
8. All members - Use common sense and don't try to do too much in conditions that could quickly jeopardize your safety and well being at the scene of an emergency. Record heat can make it tough on all of us if we don't adjust our performance and expectations accordingly.
Stay Safe!
MAJOR EMERGENCY BRUSH FIRE 7/15/05
On Friday, July 15, 2005 Battalion 14 responded to a reported Brush Fire as part of a full alarm brush assignment at Sunland Bl. and the Foothill Freeway. TF 89 reported a "loom-up" while enroute to the incident. Upon arrival TF 89, LF 60 and E 74 found less than 1 acre of brush burning at the base of a steep east-facing slope.
As Battalion 12 (Bowman) arrived on scene and initiated a Unified Command with L.A. County Fire and Angeles National Forest the initial companies on scene aggressively attacked the fire with a wagon battery from E 260 and Progressive Hose Lays.
Fed by light flashy fuels mixed with intermittant heavy brush the fire raced up the steep slope. Although winds were very light spot fires were occuring. Battalion 14 was assigned to Division "Bravo" and worked with E-86 (Helispot), E-7 and E-74 on the top side of the fire. E-86 did a great job of helping to refill Fire 1, 3 and 4 for over 1 hour solid. Filling ops usually consisted of 2 copters on the pad at the same time and 86s did a great job.
Outstanding support from LAFD air resources backed by one Blackhawk from L.A. County Fire kept the fire from reaching an adjacent drainage/draw and cresting the hill at the Green Verdugo Helispot. Ground companies witnessed perfectly coordinated water drops on hot spots and spot fires that slowed the advance as they anchored out at the bottom and advanced lines to complete containment and eventual knockdown of the fire.
The fire was limited to approximately 5 acres with no exposures threatened or damaged.
One Firefighter was treated for heat-related fatigue and transported to a local hospital in good condition.
It is important to note that although this fire was not in "alignment" and there was little wind present there was very rapid fire spread and unpredictable fire behavior occured.
To our Air Ops people and our "ground pounders" who fought aggressively and were successful...We Salute You!!
EMERGENCY ACTIVITY 7/11/05
Battalion 14 responded to a Physical Rescue in the early morning hours of July 11th on the W/B 101 Freeway @ Van Nuys Bl. Initial companies arriving on scene found a solo vehicle accident involving the vehicle vs. the shoulder lane guardrail. Both the driver and the occupant of the vehicle were trapped in the wreckage.
LF 102 skillfully performed a "jaws" operation to extricate the occupants. Medical Assistance, Scene Safety and Transport were provided by additional companies including E 88, E 78, E 39, E 7, RA 102, RA 39, RA 239, EMS 14 and HR 56.
LF 102 skillfully performed a "jaws" operation to extricate the occupants. Medical Assistance, Scene Safety and Transport were provided by additional companies including E 88, E 78, E 39, E 7, RA 102, RA 39, RA 239, EMS 14 and HR 56.
MAYOR VISITS FIRE STATION 89
On Saturday, July 9, the newly elected Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, visited Fire Station 89. The members of 89s were joined by Division 3 Commander Curtis James and Battalion 14 Commander Pat Shanley in hosting the visit.
While visiting the members the Mayor was shown the new Regional Classroom facility and the USAR Confined Space Training prop. Mayor Villaraigosa completed his visit with a firehouse dinner and an informal question and answer session with the firefighters.
Above: Firefighter Danny Wu is shown shaking hands with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
ESPRIT DE CORPS
Webster's Dictionary defines "esprit de corps" as: The common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion and strong regard for the honor of the group.
The Battalion 14 Commanders are proud to salute our members and would like to say thanks for the esprit de corps that is strongly evident throughout the Battalion on a daily basis.
In the spirit of esprit de corps we present some pics of the outstanding artwork displayed on the aerials of Truck 60, Truck 89 and Truck 102.
The Battalion 14 Commanders are proud to salute our members and would like to say thanks for the esprit de corps that is strongly evident throughout the Battalion on a daily basis.
In the spirit of esprit de corps we present some pics of the outstanding artwork displayed on the aerials of Truck 60, Truck 89 and Truck 102.
You make us all proud!
BROKEN WATER MAIN 7/6/05
Battalion 14 responded to a broken water main on Wednesday at 3040 Laurel Canyon Bl. in Fire Station 97s district. LF 60 was the first arriving company on scene and took immediate actions including perimeter and traffic control, homeowner notifications and establishment of a Unified Command with the DWP, DOT, LAPD and the Gas Company.
Water Tender 86 and 88 were requested to stand by as the situation was assessed and a repair plan was established. It was determined that a 16 inch output main from an adjacent DWP pumping station had ruptured and that millions of gallons of water had extensively damaged all lanes of Laurel Canyon Bl. in both directions. It is expected that repairs to the area may take four to six days to complete.
Pictured is Firefighter David Diaz of Light Force 60 with a valve gasket from the broken main.
BUS FIRE 7/4/05
Battalion 14 responded along with E 86 and TF 60 to a Bus Fire this morning. Aggressive tactics allowed firefighters to swiftly knock down the fire and limit damage to the charter bus with no injuries to the occupants. The members of E 86, with Probationary Firefighter Melissa Galleano on the nozzle, are shown getting initial water on the fire.EMERGENCY ACTIVITY 7/4/05
Battalion 14 responded to an early morning Greater Alarm structure fire in a commercial building in Battalion 12. The fire, located at 1026 Griswold Avenue in the City of San Fernando, severly damaged 1-unit of a series of occupanies in a 300' x 800' complex. Battalion 14 (BC Drake and SA Granucci) were assigned Roof Division. The fire was confined to the unit of origin.
PHYSICAL RESCUE 7/2/05
Battalion 14 responded to a Physical Rescue on the S/B 101 Fwy. X Vineland Bl. this afternoon. The first arriving units, E 86 and RA 86, requested additional companies to assist in the extrication, stabilization and transport of two critically injured passengers in a vehicle that came to rest on the shoulder/embankment.TF 60 utilized the Holmatro Tool and the Tiger Saw in a well coordinated extrication effort. As the members of HU 56 and USAR 27 assisted in coordinating rescue ops E76 and TF 27 assisted E86 with EMS ops that were coordinated by EMS 14. RA 86 made Base Station contact and later transported patients along with RA 60 and RA 876.
Excellent teamwork and sound fundamentals contributed to the overall success of the operation. Good Job!
UNSUNG HEROES
Every now and then we should all take the time to reflect on some of the people who make our Department so great...
This month Battalion 14 salutes the people who make it happen 24/7. While many of us are pushing paperwork or other tasks that sometimes seem far from "what we came on to do" there are a solid core of members, the real workers, who make up the backbone of our Department.
These members used to be known as the "tailboard firefighter" but that description sells them short. Their job has evolved into one that is not only demanding but all to often thankless. Think you had it tough when you came on? You probably did. But our current "tailboard firefighters" have added responsibilities that we never dreamed of.
Back in the "good old days" many of us not only rode exclusively on either the Engine or the Truck but we actually had an assigned seat or position that never changed. Our firefighters now have to be ready at a moments notice to not only change apparatus but also assignments, often several times in the course of a single day. Flexibility is not only beneficial it is required.
A question to us veterans.... When was the last time that you rode on an 800 RA? Really? You never did? It's no walk in the park. The "tailboard firefighter" of today is required to not only "ride on the 800" but also to drive emergency and treat and transport patients with a multitude of ailments. After arriving at the hospital they must interact with hospital security, hospital administrators, hospital nurses and hospital doctors. Everything they do is scrutinized by their Station and EMS commanders and their is no room for failure or poor performance.
While us veterans are sawing logs and doing the "rollover" these members are running calls all night long. We kid them about how many they had after midnight but they are still out there running calls all night long. Sure, it's part of the job but it's a part that many of us never had.
And here's the rub, they get to do all of this and somehow find the time to continue to build their skills in Engine and Truck operations.
The Battalion 14 Commanders would like to take this opportunity to salute and thank this month's Unsung Heroes...the modern day "tailboard firefighter".
We're proud to serve with you.
