L.A. Firefighters Begin 'Spark of Love' Toy Drive

Los Angeles Firefighters have commenced their annual Spark of Love Toy Drive for needy children. Now through Christmas Eve, Los Angeles residents are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or sporting good to any Neighborhood Fire Station or CVS/pharmacy.

Through public generosity, Spark of Love will provide a gift to a child who would otherwise go without one this holiday season. To learn more about our local program, call (213) 847-3816 or visit:

lafd.org/spark

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

LAFD Quickly Curtails Furniture Warehouse Blaze

On Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 6:12 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Emergency Air, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 85 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Combs, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 4539 West Adams Boulevard in the West Adams district of Los Angeles.

View Larger Map (you can also click, grab & zoom the pre-fire image above)
Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from the roof of a 50' x 150' one-story furniture storage facility.

Ascending ladders to the arched truss roof, firefighters commenced strategic vertical ventilation as their colleagues forced entry into the well-secured former boulevard storefront.

With combustible furniture stacked as high as fifteen feet inside the non-fire sprinklered building, firefighters fought their way through thick smoke and merchandise to find, attack and confine flames in the rear of the densely packed but unoccupied structure.

The stubborn fire was confined within the pre-1933 masonry building and extinguished in just 46 minutes.

No injuries were reported.

Loss to Posse Fine Furniture is estimated at $150,000 ($50,000 structure & $100,000 contents). The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature and categorized as accidental.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Driver of SUV Dies in Big Rig Collision

On Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 7:41 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 5 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Foam Tender under the direction of Battalion Chief Karen Richter responded to a Fatality Traffic Collision with Fire at 5283 West Jefferson Boulevard in the Baldwin Hills area.

Firefighters quickly arrived to find a sport utility vehicle and a big rig tractor-trailer fully engulfed in flames after colliding. Additional resources were promptly added due to the potential fire exposure to a nearby 150' X 100', two-story commercial building doing business as Jetro Cash & Carry Wholesale Groceries.

According to witnesses the big rig loaded with sugar packets and SUV were both traveling west bound on Jefferson Boulevard, when the tractor-trailer made a wide right turn into a parking lot and was struck in the diesel fuel tank by the SUV. The diesel fuel ignited and both vehicles erupted in flames.

Firefighters used handlines to diminish the roaring vehicle blaze, while additional firefighters simultaneously performed Ladder pipe operations (extending aerial ladders with hoses, spraying water downward in a fog pattern) to protect the nearby business.

Despite firefighters swift action, the adult male driver of the SUV was trapped and found deceased on scene. The driver of the big rig self extricated and declined medical transportation. Lastly, a third patient was found when an additional 911 call was placed for an adult male that walked a block away from the scene. He was found to be a passenger of the SUV and was transported to UCLA trauma center for non-life threatening injuries.

The blaze was extinguished by 58 firefighters in just 19 minutes and no structures were damaged. Firefighters notified Fish and Game, Cal EMA and the Coast Guard due to the potential of diesel fuel entering in the storm drains.

Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

The Holiday Season - Time to Assess Your Needs as a Caregiver

While most realize that Neighborhood Firefighters play a critical role in emergencies, the proud title of Caregiver is by no means restricted to public safety or health care professionals.

As we gather with our families and friends this holiday season, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to join them in a spirt of compassion and prevention, by frankly assessing and addressing the medical, social and safety needs of those closest to you.

Whether an elderly or infirm person - or a dependant child, our time together during the holidays allows us to both appreciate the challenges before us, and most importantly to ask for help.

Along with local resources in Los Angeles County, including our regional 2-1-1 system, the Federal Government provides information to help family and informal caregivers maintain the comfort, wellness and safety of others. To learn more, visit:

usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Health/caregivers.shtml

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Firefighters Ask: Your Turkey or Your Life?

A longtime favorite in the southern United States, deep-fried turkey has grown increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to celebrity chefs.

What television chefs won't mention though, is the significant danger associated with deep-fat turkey fryers.

Your Turkey or Your Life?

After watching the video, you'll understand why Los Angeles Firefighters want you to think long and hard before frying a turkey. Without proper planning, your tasty meal could end in disaster.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is joined by safety experts from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in reminding you never to sacrifice safety when preparing meals.

"We're worried by the increasing reports of fires related with turkey fryer use," says John Drengenberg, UL consumer affairs manager. "Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks. And, as a result of these tests, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with our trusted UL Mark."

Why a turkey fryer can be dangerous:

• Many units easily tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.
• If the cooking pot is overfilled, or a partially frozen turkey is used, hot and flammable cooking oil will spill.
• Even a small amount of cooking oil coming into contact with the burner can cause a large fire.
• With no thermostat controls, the deep fryers have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.

If you absolutely must use a turkey fryer:

• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.
• Never use a turkey fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage or any enclosed space.
• Remember that overfilling the fryer will lead to danger.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. Wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect you from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed. The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird.
• Be careful with marinades. Remember that oil and water don't mix. Even a small amount of moisture can cause oil to spill over, leading to a fire or explosion hazard.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Frying a turkey requires full-time adult attention.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even hours after use, the oil inside can remain dangerously hot.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby, and know its proper use and limitations. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire!
• If a turkey fryer fire occurs, have some immediately call 9-1-1.
• Use your best judgement. If the fire is manageable and you can do so safely, use the all-purpose fire extinguisher.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department encourage you to always cook with care!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Cancer Crusade Ends Nationwide Journey at LAFD Museum

To a firefighter, the only greater challenge than hearing "You Have Cancer", is having someone tell you "It Can't Be Done!".

Meet retired Santa Ana, California firefighter Lorenzo Abundiz, who has proven that hearing one seemingly fateful expression need not mean believing the other.

A survivor of three types of cancer, and founder of Code 3 For A Cure, Abundiz has traveled across North America sharing a message of hope for all cancer patients, especially those who are active and retired firefighters.

As you may recall, Abundiz departed the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum & Memorial in Hollywood in mid-2008 to commence a celebrity encouraged cross-country expedition.

Today, Abundiz returns to the same location to complete his 2009 journey among friends and supporters. We welcome you to join us:

Monday, November 23, 2009
11:00 AM
Los Angeles Fire Department Museum & Memorial
1355 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028 USA

To learn more, visit:

www.code3foracure.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

When Traveling, Are You As Safe as the Feds?

If you're like millions of Americans, chances are you will soon visit your favorite travel website to secure holiday reservations.

Even now, you may be sitting by your computer, beverage in hand (but not too close to the keyboard), trying to make sure you don't forget something on your hotel checklist: Room with a view? Check! Around-the-clock room service? Check! Heated pool and spa? Check!

You might think you have it covered.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to go one step further though, by staying in a fire safe hotel or motel.

Firefighters know that you and your family can be as safe as the Feds!

The Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990 mandates that Federal employees on official travel must stay in public accommodations that strictly adhere to life safety requirements specified in the legislation.

Why the law?

• In 1946, the worst hotel fire in U.S. history took place at the Winecoff Hotel in Atlanta, taking the lives of 119 people.


• In November 1980, 85 people were killed at the MGM Grand Hotel fire in Las Vegas.


• One month later, 26 people died in a fire at the Stouffer's Inn in New York.


• In February 1981, only three months after the MGM Grand Hotel tragedy, another Nevada hotel - the Las Vegas Hilton - was the site of a major fire, where 8 people died, and over 600 people were injured.


• On New Year's Eve 1986, a fire raged in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, killing 97 people in the course of just 12 short minutes.

Investigations conducted in the aftermath of the MGM Grand fire revealed that had the hotel been fully outfitted with automatic sprinklers, the damage wrought by the small electrical fire would have been a puddle of water.

The fire in the Dupont Plaza tragedy moved with such speed that the hotel's casino patrons were dead before the local fire department had even been notified. Testimony following this incident indicated that the fire would not have posed a threat to life if smoke alarms and a sprinkler system had been in place.

Then again, maybe you already knew that.

Did you also know there is a quick and simple way to check the same Hotel-Motel National Master List that Federal employees use?

It's no more difficult than visiting:

www.usfa.dhs.gov/applications/hotel

There are more than 35,000 properties on the list, and while we don't think it will take the place of your favorite travel guide, we hope you always make it a part of your travel plans.

Go ahead. Click on the link above and bookmark it now. That way you can always have the peace of mind that comes with staying in a hotel or motel that places your personal safety on par with their government business.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

KTLA and L.A. Firefighters Team Up For 1 Day Food Drive

Firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department and allied agencies are teaming with KTLA-TV Channel 5 for a one day food drive to help the less fortunate this holiday season.

This one day only event will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 from 5:00AM to 11:00PM.

All City of Los Angeles Fire Stations will serve as collection points, to gratefully gather only non-perishable food items, such as canned goods.

View Larger Map of Dropoff Locations (or click, grab & zoom the image above!)
Firefighters ask you to join them on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 by bringing a non-perishable food item to your nearest LAFD Station or other participating location.

Items from this one day food drive will be collected by KTLA and distributed to those in need through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Share Our Selves.

To learn more about this one-day event, watch the KTLA Morning News, as firefighters and those they proudly serve come together in the spirit of the season.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Three Perish, Three Injured in Fiery Foothill Freeway Collision

On Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 5:11 AM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 61 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Wade White, responded to a Multi-Fatality Traffic Collision with Fire on the westbound Foothill (210) Freeway east of Sunland Boulevard in Sunland.

Responding swiftly to a traffic collision with subsequent reports of fire extending to nearby brush, Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find a two vehicle collision with one vehicle fully engulfed in flames.



According to witnesses, a full-size sport utility vehicle towing a cargo trailer collided with a big rig tractor-trailer loaded with lettuce, the smaller vehicle soon thereafter erupting in flames.

An adult male passerby reportedly assisted an 11 year-old male and 9 year-old female from the damaged SUV with minor injuries, before it was consumed by fire. A man, woman and teen male occupants however, remained within the burning vehicle. Sadly beyond the assistance of witnesses or responders, the trio were declared deceased at the scene.

The two surviving children sustained non-life threatening injuries, and were taken by LAFD Ambulance to Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles in fair condition.

The adult male driver of the big rig, later complaining of chest discomfort, was taken by LAFD Paramedics to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, also in fair condition.

No other injuries were reported.

With the vehicle fire extinguished and medical treatment underway, firefighters focused their efforts on the burning vegetation, skilfully confining the fire to less than one-quarter acre of grass and brush. The flames were fully extinguished in just 29 minutes.

Firefighters remained at the scene for more than three hours supporting the California Highway Patrol's collision investigation, as well as the Coroner's discrete and dignified removal of the deceased.

The identification and formal relationship of those who died, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of their deaths will be determined by the Coroner's office. The cause of the collision remains within the purview of the California Highway Patrol.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Woman Found Dead at Scene of Van Nuys Fire

On Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 2:17 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Potter responded to a Structure Fire at 14153 West Erwin Street in Van Nuys.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find a two-story garden style apartment with smoke showing from the rear of the ten unit structure. Neighbors were awakened  by sounds of breaking glass and smoke alarms shortly before the arrival of fire crews. Residents tried to enter the involved apartment,  but the smoke and heat was too intense. Firefighters made a rapid entry after reports of a person still inside.

Roof teams cut ventilation holes to release super heated gases, as fire attack teams performed fire suppression and rescue efforts. During the attack on the blaze, Firefighters discovered a 65 year-old elderly woman inside the home. The patient was immediately provided with advanced life support intervention and transported to Sherman Oaks Medical Center. The patient was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A positive identification of the deceased woman, as well as the cause, time, and manner of death, will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

The fire was confined to one unit and rapidly extinguished in just 16 minutes, with 36 Firefighters.  The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department