The Los Angeles Fire Department warmly welcomes you to join civic and community leaders, including Fire Chief Brian Cummings, at the formal dedication and public grand opening of New LAFD Fire Station 82 in Hollywood:

Saturday, June 2, 2012
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
New Fire Station 82
5769 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028

We're pleased to offer an interactive map that offers driving, transit, cycling and walking directions to this new facility, now actively serving Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills.

Following Saturday's dedication ceremony, there will be food and entertainment, static displays of fire and rescue equipment, as well as a chance to tour one of Southern California's newest Fire Stations. All members of the community are welcome at this family-themed public event.

A Brief History of Former Fire Station 82...

Established in the midst of World War II and housed in the distant, overcrowded quarters of LAFD's historic Fire Station 27 for its first 7 years, Engine Company 82 came to serve the rising population and industry in east Hollywood during the Truman presidency, as residents and City leaders scrambled to construct a neighborhood station for the crew at 1800 North Bronson Avenue.

Former LAFD Station 82 (1951-2012)

Opened on March 2, 1951 adjacent to the "Cahuenga Parkway" that would become the well known Hollywood (US 101) Freeway in 1954, the 7,145 square-foot single-bay Fire Station soon became an integral part of a largely residential community that, like the LAFD, evolved greatly in the more than six decades to follow.

Those assigned to the the 61-year-old former Fire Station became notably hampered over time by electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems that limited efficient operations. Equally foreboding for workers and visitors alike were critical deficiencies in seismic safety, climate control, ADA compliance, gender equity features and visitor parking.

LAFD Station 82 crew circa 1964.

What will long be remembered about the old station however, will be the perplexed look of neighbors, as crews at the single-bay Fire Station scrambled to move vehicles when an emergency response called for only the Engine Company or the Paramedic Ambulance - merely to see the process reversed and repeated as the crews returned and were again dispatched to emergencies.

Because the property beneath former Station 82 was too small to fully support a new or revamped Fire Station, Proposition F of November 2000 has brought the community a new and unique facility.

Today's Fire Station 82...

The four Firefighters and two Firefighter/Paramedics working each day at New Fire Station 82, continue to serve a diverse and demanding district of nearly 2 square miles, featuring high density residential and commercial properties, a busy freeway and subway corridor, television studios, entertainment venues, tourist sites and a portion of massive Griffith Park containing the iconic "Hollywood" sign.

Were this not enough, the station crew also bears primary responsibility for protecting hundreds of homes constructed in rugged terrain surrounded by volatile vegetation.

A safe, appealing and energy efficient facility, New Fire Station 82 features underground parking, a "green" roof and three-story construction, making it unique among Los Angeles Fire Stations. In a cost and space-saving measure benefitting the community and Department, several regional components of New Fire Station 82 - such as a multipurpose room and areas designed for efficient maintenance and rapid deployment of reserve apparatus, are now being constructed in a nearly 6,000 square-foot, two-story annex under construction on the site of the former station on Bronson Avenue.

Concept of New LAFD Fire Station 82 Annex under construction.

With drive-through apparatus bays that will preclude a need to shuffle vehicles at the time of an alarm, and countless other features designed for efficiency in the digital age, New Fire Station 82 promises to meet neighborhood needs - and those of a modern LAFD workforce - for many decades to come.

We encourage you to learn more about new Fire Station 82 and the many Fire Department facilities modernized by Proposition F by viewing a highly detailed on-line Monthly Progress Report.

..and most importantly, we look forward to seeing you this Saturday, June 2, 2012 in Hollywood for the Grand Opening of New LAFD Fire Station 82!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a highly respected member of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Fire Inspector Jerald Lewis Coates left us suddenly on Sunday afternoon, May 20, 2012, while off-duty and in the comfort of his own home. He was an active-duty, 25-year veteran of the Department, having been appointed to the LAFD in 1987.

LAFD Inspector Jerald L. Coates
(1953-2012)

In his nearly three decades of service to the people of Los Angeles, the 59 year-old Coates held a variety of demanding assignments.

In 2001, following 14 years of distinguished service at the rank of Firefighter, he promoted to Inspector. Within the Fire Prevention Bureau, he expertly addressed the special permitting and hazards of underground tanks, before being assigned to the Brush Clearance Unit in 2010.

As a member of this small team of 13 inspectors, Coates helped supervise brush clearance issues among nearly 180,000 targeted parcels citywide. Jerald enjoyed educating the community about the dangers of wildfire, and was routinely lauded by residents for his fair handling of difficult situations. By all accounts, he took great pride in personalized public service.

We kindly ask you to keep Inspector Jerald L. Coates and his loved-ones in your thoughts and prayers. He is survived by his longtime life partner, Donailah and his 25 year-old son, Ryan.

The public is invited to join the LAFD and the family and friends of

Inspector Jerald L. Coates, as we together mourn his passing.

Public Memorial Service for

LAFD Inspector Jerald L. Coates:

DATE:               Friday, June 1, 2012

TIME:               10:00 am

LOCATION:     Divine Saviour Catholic Church
                            610 Cypress Avenue
                            Los Angeles, CA 90065

INTERMENT:   Private

VIEWING:         Private

DONATIONS:  IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, A DONATION IS WELCOME:
                           Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen's Fund
                            815 Colorado Blvd, 4th Floor
                            Los Angeles, CA 90041


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Tuesday night's magnitude 4.0 earthquake off the Southern California coast near Malibu reminds us that disasters can strike without warning.

Unforeseen emergencies can not only injure us, but force us to evacuate our neighborhood, workplace or school - or even confine us to home.

What would you do...

...if basic services - water, gas, electricity and telephones - were entirely cut off? ...if roads were impassible or Neighborhood Firefighters were committed to major emergencies and unable to reach you right away?

The answer is Preparedness!

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department want you and your family to be safe. Here are some tips for getting and staying prepared:

• Know the types of disasters that can occur in your community.
• Make a family emergency plan that coordinates with your school, work and neighborhood plans. Practice them with the every member of your household - and don't forget your pets!
• Create a disaster supplies kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for at least three days. Remember to check your kit every six months.
• Teach children about emergencies, including when to call for help, where you'll meet and how you'll communicate following a disaster.
• If you commute to work, know alternate routes and carry appropriate supplies, such as a disaster kit in your car - and a compact kit with bare essentials such as a small flashlight and whistle when on public transportation.

Being prepared helps you and your family minimize the impact of a disaster such as an earthquake or an emergency such as fire, injury or severe illness.

The LAFD suggests these resources to help you prepare:

• American Red Cross - Preparedness Fast Facts
• CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response
• CERT - Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT - LA)
• Dare To Prepare
• Earthquake Country
• Emergency Preparedness for People With Disabilities
• FEMA - Are You Ready? Guide
• Ready Kids
• LAFD - Daily Tips from Disaster Preparedness Month
• LAFD - Emergency Preparedness Booklet
• MySafeLA.org
• Preparedness Today - What You Need To Do!
• Ready.gov
• ReadyLA.org

The time to get ready for unexpected situations is right now - while you have time to listen, learn and plan!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Chances are that like most patriotic Americans, you've taken a moment each Memorial Day to pause and remember.

It is equally likely on the day that follows, that you read descriptions of dignified and stirring public ceremonies attended by others, only to say "one of these years".


Well, the day is tomorrow - and the time for you to make that decision is now!

For those in Southern California...

Please join active and retired members of the Los Angeles Fire Department and their families, as we gather Monday at California's largest Memorial Day Observance, which begins promptly at 10:00AM at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.

For those in other parts of Our Nation...

We encourage you to visit a local Veteran's Cemetery, where many ceremonies are planned.

For All Americans...

As Los Angeles Firefighters, we were deeply disturbed by a poll revealing that few Americans knew the meaning of Memorial Day.

We therefore encourage every American to learn the history of Memorial Day, and to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance, in which every American is asked to devote just one minute of silence at 3:00 PM (their local time) this Monday, in a national act of unity to recognize those who have died for our freedom.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

LAKE VIEW TERRACE - Los Angeles Firefighters safely rescued a horse that was stuck in water and mud near Hansen Dam Aquatic Center.

At 5 p.m. a swift and carefully coordinated rescue ensued near 11798 Foothill Boulevard, where a large horse was in water with half of its body covered, and unable to exit on his own due to three of his legs being stuck in the mud below.

Over 40 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Jack Wise, worked from the ground and air to rescue the animal, approximately 10 of which entered the water, concentrating efforts on  keeping the horse's head above water during the rescue operation. Firefighters utilized 4x4 vehicles, carriers, back boards that float, and two-line rope systems. The Dart Team, a unique group including a veterinarian, responded tremendously fast and tranquilized the horse with a sedative while firefighters used manpower and rope systems to safely bring him to the shoreline. Then in a coordinated effort, a harness was placed around the weakened horse, and a LAFD helicopter lifted the him to dry land at a near by baseball field.

Recent rains beautify many areas of Los Angeles, but firefighters warn people not to ride horses in areas you can't walk. River beds become especially wet, and there are unforeseen hazards lurking under the water. Just six inches of water is enough to knock a person off their feet.

Animal rescues not only save the animal in danger but stops owners and bystanders from endangering themselves in a feudal effort to save the animal.

Chief Wise stated, "Not only did our firefighters do an outstanding job, but we want to thank the  LA City Lifeguards from the Aquatic Center, General Services Police and others that assisted prior to our arrival."

Dispatched Units: E298 T98 RH114 BC12 RA898 UR88 HR56 E91 T75 E275 T90 E290 RA91 BP98 BP74 H2 H1 T88 E288 RA909 TP3 DZ12 DT2

(PHOTOS)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

The 2012 version of Memorial Day is upon us. For many, it represents the first days of Summer. With that, comes: first exposure (or maybe just over-exposure) to the sun, first cook-outs or BBQs on the grill (or over-exposure to the grill..yes, too much to eat) and the first time back into the refreshing waters of the ocean or pool.  

You may spend the Holiday Weekend at home with your family or a small group. You may opt to travel by air, road or rail and spend it with the masses or perhaps with a huge group that just happens to resemble your family. However you choose to spend it, please take a look at a few safety tips that may ensure a long and very pleasant Memorial Day Weekend... despite those distant relatives that all decided to visit from the East Coast. (Of course we're kidding!) 

These Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips are provided with help from our friends at the County of Los Angeles Public Health and a few of our own, we thought were worth mentioning:

• Cook, grill or BBQ intelligently. Use clean plates, store food properly and prepare it correctly.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and sun damage. Wear sunscreen. Apply it generously and often.
• Be aware of changing weather conditions. Find or tune into a news source.
• Be aware of changing traffic conditions, road closures and other delays.
• Pool safely and always have someone watching the water.
• If you take to the mountains for some hiking or biking, don't go alone. Hike/bike during daylight hours. Hydrate and pack a snack. Don't underestimate the terrain. And if you have one, take a mobile phone with you and make sure it's charged.
• If you choose to imbibe, don't drink and drive! We all know the sobering statistics. Appoint a designated driver, use a designated driver service (there are many) or call a cab.

Enjoy the weekend. Enjoy family and friends. Enjoy foods and libations (in moderation.) And enjoy the freedom and liberty that was made possible by those the men and women who served and do serve in the United States Armed Forces. Please take pause, if only for a moment, and give thanks to those who have had the courage to enlist, shown the strength and commitment to serve and to those who gave it all. This weekend especially, we remember!

The LAFD will provide more on Memorial Day remembrance, tomorrow, in another post. Until then, may God Bless the United States of America.

 

Submitted by, Matt Spence Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In the Battle for Los Angeles, only one team can reign. We are of course, talking about the annual face-off between the Los Angeles Heat and LAPD Centurions football teams.

Come witness one team leaves the field as champion:

Saturday, June 2, 2012
4:00 PM
Salesian High School
960 South Soto Street
Los Angeles, CA 90023

The true winner of this matchup however, will be the charities supported by both teams. For the L.A. Heat, game proceeds from your attendance benefit the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, and for the LAPD Centurions, The Blind Children's Center.

The L.A. Heat and LAPD Centurions are proud members of the National Public Safety Football League (NPSFL). Every NPSFL player is a public safety professional adhering to an on-field code of honor and integrity that mirrors that of their sworn duty.

This is a game you don't want to miss, and one your entire family can feel proud in attending. For more information, please visit:

www.losangelesheat.org  www.lapdcenturions.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Your Los Angeles Fire Department has talked frequently of the dangers associated with household cleaning supplies and home improvement chemicals. And the danger isn't limited to humans...

While filming the premiere episode of Pet Sense, Yogi the "cleaning-supply-hating" Corgi bit into a spray can, which led to an explosive kitchen fire captured on video:

We're pleased to say the 8 year-old pet, humans and Los Angeles household survived the interaction between flammable paint fumes and a kitchen ignition source. Yogi's owner Hali Hudson explains more in a thought-provoking interview video that followed the fire:


Yes, commom supplies kept in your cabinets can easily poison a member of your household or ignite an inferno. A scouring pet or child - or the light shaking of an earthquake, may be all it takes to cause a spill or mixture that creates a witches' brew right under your kitchen sink.

We encourage you to read the full story, and then get busy on hazard abatement in your home, before a two- or four-legged member of your household causes what you may have once thought impossible.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

The Los Angeles Fire Department along with the Los Angeles Police Department agree that distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America's roadways. In 2010 alone, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes.

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for American teens. When it comes to distracted driving, young people are among the most likely to text and talk behind the wheel. That’s why Distraction.gov is inviting high school students to help spread the word on distracted driving by asking them to design a creative icon that can be shared on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and other social networking sites.

They are looking for icons that send a clear message: Cell phones and driving don’t mix. The selected design will also be featured on Distraction.gov as part of the official DOT campaign against distracted driving. So, Click here to join us in this fun way to kick distracted driving to the curb. Remember, one call or text can wreck it all!

Distraction.gov

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Many are surprised to learn the Los Angeles Fire Department commenced ambulance service in 1927. In the decades that have followed, the LAFD has remained a proud provider of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across what is now a 471 square mile jurisdiction and home to nearly 4 million residents.

National Emergency Medical Services Week, May 20-26, 2012 is not only an opportunity to affirm our long-standing commitment to EMS, but more importantly to applaud the less visible members of a national EMS system that seek to assure the comfort, recovery and survival of all who turn to them when afflicted with sudden illness or injury.

This week, we proudly recognize the around-the-clock devotion of 9-1-1 dispatchers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, nurses, physicians, hospital technicians and support staff who work alongside us in a noble pursuit.

It is our hope that you will join us this week in reaching out to the providers of EMS in your community, not only to say thank you, but to allow them an ability to better understand your needs and concerns related to emergency health care.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department