California Fire News

CA-LAC-Island (Catalina) - Structures lost in Avalon Posted: 11 May 2007 12:47 AM CDT The latest on the Catalina Island fire • More than 500 acres burned • 30-40 foot flames seen next to Avalon • Massive evacuation underway • Shelter set up in Long Beach Homes lost; "0% contained" Avalon Fire Chief Steve Hoefs said "the operation went extremely well although we had one or two firefighters who suffered smoke inhalation and were taken off the island. The fire is zero percent contained. We held the fire from expensive homes, from hotels, schools, and condominiums, we save all of those structures. We did lose a few modest homes in Avalon Canyon." He said the operaton included five water-dropping helicopters and eight fixed-wing aircraft. Late Thursday night two hovercraft arrived from Camp Pendleton, each carrying five engines. Hoefs said the helicopters would begin flying again about 6 a.m. He said approximately 300 to 400 residents havd been evacuated from this island "but the majority of the populaton of about 3,600 is still here." He said many of them are in the harbor area staying in businesses and homes. -Louis Sahagun in Avalon Hundreds expected at shelter The evacuation center in downtown Long Beach (at Cesar E. Chavez Park, left) expects more than 700 evacuees, including some from a middle school science camp. -Ashley Powers 09:47 PM, May 10 2007 Island interior also in jeopardy Avalon Fire Chief Steve Hoefs said although much of the attention and the firefighting strategy were devoted to protecintg Avalon, "The fire continues to burn out of control in the interior of the island." -Louis Sahagun in Avalon 09:28 PM, May 10 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Losses mount Avalon City Councilman Scott Nelson said: "We've lost five or six small businesses in Falls Canyon and a construction company building in Birdpark Canyon." He also said that evacuees who took refuge in the casino, which is without power, have been moved to another location. Nelson said about 100 firefighters were battling the blaze and that another 200 new recruits, arriving by hovercraft and Marine helicopters, were bedding down at the airport to work the day shift in the morning. Catalina Express was also running extra boats through the night to take people off the island. -Louis Sahagun in Avalon 09:22 PM, May 10 2007 Structures lost L.A. County Fire Department Inspector Sam Padilla said one city-owned commercial building has burned, along with several outbuildings. He did not know the location of the buildings. No homes have been damaged, he said. -Rebecca Trounson 09:04 PM, May 10 2007 At the hospital Bryan Ballard, CEO of Catalina Island Medical Center, said : "The hospital was evacuated at 3 p.m. and we moved our six patients into the City Council chambers," where they remained late Thursday. -Louis Sahagun in Avalon 08:50 PM, May 10 2007 Moving mainland L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. Sgt. Pete Cacheiro said hundreds of people were being evacuated from Catalina on Catalina Express ferries. One carrying about 180 people had already arrived at San Pedro harbor, with another carrying about 380 soon to arrive at Long Beach Harbor. Other ferries were being loaded in Avalon Harbor. Cacheiro said those who came in on the boats would be taken to two locations: Cesar Chavez Park at 401 Golden Ave in Long Beach and San Pedro High School, 1001 W. 15th Street in San Pedro. Both were being staffed by the Red Cross, he said. Cacheiro spoke from the county's emergency operations center in East Los Angeles, which was activated late Thursday afternoon in response to the fire. -Rebecca Trounson 08:49 PM, May 10 2007 | Homes threatened At 8:20 p.m., Avalon Fire Chief Steve Hoefs said: "We're in danger of losing the Birdpark Canyon Housing complex of 30 to 40 homes." He also said that he had received a report that power was out at the historic landmark known as the Avalon Casino. The fire also threatened a city public works area. Avalon City Counciman Scott Nelson said: "It was due to happen, a hundred year fire." -Louis Sahagun in Avalon 08:35 PM, May 10 2007 | Evacuation begins Boats are taking hundreds of Avalon evacuees off the island to Long Beach and San Pedro. One just arrived in San Pedro, the other should arrive soon in Long Beach. -Rebecca Trounson 08:34 PM, May 10 2007 | Flames near fire station Standing outside a nearly empty Avalon City Hall about 8 p.m., his hands on his hips, Joe Voci, 85, a resident of Avalon since 1956, shook his head in dismay, muttering, "The biggest mistake the Catalina Conservancy ever made was getting rid of those goats -- the goats kept the darn brush down." About 8:10 p.m., 30- to 40-foot-high wind-whipped flames could be seen about an eighth of a mile from the entrance of the Avalon fire station at the base of the foothills as a water-dropping helicopter whirled overhead. -Louis Sahagun in Avalon 08:16 PM, May 10 2007 | 'Looks like a volcano' Dozens of people watched the fire from the top of Signal Hill, 26 miles away. Even from that vantage point, the wall of flames on the islands were clearly seen. "It looks like a volcano erupting," said Kevin Lembke of Long Beach. -Jeff Rabin 08:11 PM, May 10 2007 | Getting very close About 7:45 p.m., the fire had reached the edge of town. Enormous 20 to 25 foot high flames could be seen near the high school and cemetery by many residents along the corner of Beacon Street and Sumner Avenue, where there are many vintage woodframe and stucco homes. "This is it," said resident Terri Hernandez. "It's on its way now." Resource orders heard around the scanner nets? CA-CDF-MVU is sending a strike team to Catalina Island via Camp Pendleton CDF has sent three additional S2T airtankers and AA-310 along with the two heavy airtankers from San Bernardino CA-CNF 2 strike teams of type 3 engines enroute to the Island. 6631C & 6632c. San Diego TV has just shown live video of CDF units loading on LCAC's at Camp Pendleton; looks like a couple BC's and an ST of type 3'sAir Resource request for 5/11/07 on this incident. 2 AA 2 Lead Planes 5 AT 8 rotary total of various types Per radio traffic only. The Catalina Island Fire is burning with extreme fire behavior and major spotting, usually seen only during the late fall fire season. Potential to burn most of Catalina Island due to rugged terrain, poor access, dry fuels and strong winds. These early May conditions have the makings for 2007 to be a very destructive year based on the recent observed fire behavior..

CBS 2 - KCAL 9 - Los Angeles - Southern California - LA Breaking News, Weather, Traffic, Sports, Blogs, Video, Slideshows Posted: 10 May 2007 07:01 PM CDT Catalina Fire Burns 400 Acres, Evacuations Ordered Evacuations are under way on Catalina Island where a wind-driven wildfire has burned more than 400 acres. (AP) AVALON, Calif. Evacuations are under way on Catalina Island where a wind-driven wildfire has burned more than 400 acres. L.A. County fire Captain Ron Haralson says the fire is moving southeast toward the town of Avalon, prompting evacuation of residents from hilltop homes. The island's school and hospital voluntarily evacuated. The blaze erupted about 12:30 p.m. five miles east of the island's Airport in the Sky. Fire officials say it's being fanned by winds moving at 15 miles per hour with gusts of up to 20 miles per hour. More than 100 firefighters, aided by four water-dropping helicopters are battling the blaze. Crews and fire engines are being flown to the island by a Navy hovercraft. The cause of the fire is under investigation. CBS 2 - KCAL 9 - Los Angeles - Southern California - LA Breaking News: "Catalina Fire Burns 400 Acres, Evacuations Ordered Catalina Island Brush Fire CBS Evacuations are under way on Catalina Island where a wind-driven wildfire has burned more than 400 acres."

Death penalty sought in Esperanza fire Posted: 10 May 2007 06:58 PM CDT Death penalty sought in Esperanza fire District attorney to seek death for a man accused of setting the wildfire that killed an Orange County man and four other firefighters. The Associated Press RIVERSIDE – Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco said Wednesday he will pursue the death penalty against the man accused of setting a wildfire last fall that killed five U.S. Forest Service firefighters. One of the men, Pablo Cerda, lived in Fountain Valley. Pacheco said he decided to pursue death against Raymond Lee Oyler after consulting with the family members of the five firefighters and reviewing all the evidence with the investigative team. He said several factors, including Oyler's past criminal record and the severe losses suffered by the community, influenced his decision. Oyler, a 36-year-old auto mechanic, is charged with five counts of first-degree murder, 17 counts of using an incendiary device and 23 counts of arson between May 16 and Oct. 26, 2006, the day the deadly Esperanza Fire broke out. He was arrested Oct. 31 after the wind-whipped fire raced through the foothills near Banning. Oyler was convicted in 2001 on a drug possession charge and has had other run-ins with the law in both California and Missouri. "I considered what I personally considered to be an incredible and callous disregard to the safety of the firefighters who would respond to the fires over a period of time," Pacheco said. "He expressed on numerous occasions that he wanted to burn the mountain down." Oyler's attorney, Mark McDonald, did not immediately return a call for comment. Pacheco, in a phone interview with The Associated Press, said family members of the fallen firefighters weren't in agreement about whether to pursue the death penalty. "Some of the families urged me most directly to seek death, other families were ambivalent and others still are opposed the death penalty in spite of the loss of a loved one," he said. During a preliminary hearing two months ago, Oyler's fiancee and cousin testified that he had boasted about lighting fires in the Banning Pass area during the summer months. Crystal Breazile, however, denied that her fiance set the blaze that claimed the firefighters' lives. Breazile, who has a young daughter with Oyler, said she and Oyler were watching televised reports of an arson wildfire in late May when the auto mechanic told her he had started the blaze. Breazile, who said she threatened to leave him if he didn't stop setting fires, was called by prosecutors as a hostile witness during the hearing. Oyler's second cousin also testified that Oyler told her he spent the night of Oct. 21 casing a mountain in the Banning area for a good spot to set a fire. He also said he had set "some small fires" around the Banning area on Oct. 22, a few days before the deadly blaze, to try to create a diversion so he could get his pit bull out of the pound, cousin Jill Frame testified. Prosecutors allege that Oyler set the fires in the Banning Pass area using several variations of devices made of wooden stick matches and Marlboro cigarettes. Investigators have said that they were able to match Oyler's DNA with samples from cigarette butts used to start fires on June 9 and June 10, but not to the device used to start the Esperanza blaze. Firefighters Jason McKay, 27; Jess McLean, 27; Daniel Hoover-Najera, 20; Mark Loutzenhiser, 43, and Cerda, 23, were overrun by flames on Oct. 26 while protecting a home. McKay, McLean and Hoover-Najera died at the scene. Loutzenhiser died several hours later and Cerda died several days later. Some 10,000 people attended their memorial service. Court records from neighboring San Bernardino County show Oyler was convicted in September 2001 of possession of a controlled substance, and pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without the owner's consent in 1995. In Joplin, Mo., police and court records show Oyler had several traffic violations and other mostly minor run-ins with the law from 1997 through 1999. The most severe was a 1999 misdemeanor count of violating a protection order won by his wife by entering her apartment while she was out. A warrant issued in the case was never served. Jasper County circuit court records show Oyler's wife divorced him in 2001 Article - News - Death penalty sought in Esperanza fire

Catalina Fire - Island Incident Posted: 10 May 2007 05:29 PM CDT Picture from Catalina Island web cam Weather - Cabrillo Main Station reports clear skies and fog with 3 miles visibility. Wind speed is 18 knots from the Southwest. Surf is poor and 1 to 1 feet from the Southwest with a period of 10 seconds. Sea surface has white caps. Air temperature is 57 degrees Fahrenheit and water temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Posts around the net regarding Island fire: KCAL stating that the fire is out of control and about 2 miles from Avalon, moving towards Avalon. Approx 100 acres A brush fire burned about 100 acres of brush Thursday afternoon on Catalina Island.No structures are threatened, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.The fire is about two miles northwest of Avalon. Authorities said the fire is burning toward the city. La Co. asking LA City for another water dropping helicopter. Now asking for a type 1 helicopter if available in addition. LACoFD putting together the CatalinaPlan, requesting four fixed wing tankers CalFire Type 3 Strike Team enroute with a hour ETA Cal-Fire San Diego just dispatched a type 3 engine strike team to camp pendelton to be transported to Catalina"

Brush Fire Burns 80 Acres On Catalina Island Posted: 10 May 2007 05:22 PM CDT Brush Fire Burns 80 Acres On Catalina Island - News Story: LOS ANGELES -- A brush fire burned about 80 acres of brush Thursday afternoon on Catalina Island. No structures are threatened, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The fire is about two miles northwest of Avalon. Authorities said the fire is burning toward the city. Ground crews and two water-dropping helicopters are at the location. Capt. Mike Brown of the Los Angeles County Fire Department said the fire was reported at 12:30 p.m. five miles east of the airport on the island, which is more than 20 miles offshore. Sixty firefighters were en route. 'We're getting resources out there by boat and helicopter,' Brown said. 'We may get the Coast Guard involved.' Much of the island is wilderness."

Map of Fire in Griffith Park Posted: 10 May 2007 12:52 PM CDT Fire in Griffith Park map Fire in Griffith Park map provided by Los Angeles Fire Department Fire in Griffith Park May 9, 2007

Executive Order to Combat Wildfires in California Posted: 10 May 2007 12:34 PM CDT Office of the Governor :: Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Orders Increased Personnel, Equipment to Combat Wildfires in California 05/09/2007 GAAS:364:07 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Governor Schwarzenegger Orders Increased Personnel, Equipment to Combat Wildfires in California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued Executive Order S-07-07 directing the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to mobilize additional personnel and equipment to respond to wildfires in California. He also directed state agencies, including the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, California National Guard, California Conservation Corps and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to coordinate together and with federal and local agencies to maximize California's fire prevention and fighting capabilities. Below is the text of the Governor's executive order: EXECUTIVE ORDER S-07-07 WHEREAS the threat of wildfires in California present extreme peril to the people, property and environment; and WHEREAS this emergency situation of imminent fire danger is caused by the extraordinary number of dead, dying and diseased trees resulting from prolonged drought, overstocked forests and infestation by bark beetles and other decay organisms; and WHEREAS the number of dead and dying trees continues to increase, providing a readily available fuel load which could result in catastrophic fires; and WHEREAS an Arctic Cold Front resulting in extreme low temperatures and freezing conditions swept through California, beginning on January 11, 2007, and continuing for a period of time thereafter, contributed to the increased mortality of wildland vegetation therefore fire danger; and WHEREAS below normal precipitation, higher than season normal temperatures, strong winds and low relative humidity in the majority of the State during this past winter have contributed to early drying of brush and other wildland vegetation; and WHEREAS reduction in other-agency resources, including aviation assets, limits their initial attack capabilities; and WHEREAS coordinated fire prevention, aggressive fuels reduction programs and strong initial attack resources remain critical; and WHEREAS increased risk of catastrophic wildfires throughout California threatens the lives, property and economic well-being of the people of the State; and WHEREAS the increased risk of catastrophic wildfires throughout California may result in unplanned releases of air pollutants that adversely affect air and water quality, soil stability, populations of sensitive and endangered fish and wildlife species, and their habitat; and WHEREAS the increased risk of catastrophic wildfires could significantly impact state efforts to reduce greenhouse gases by large uncontrolled emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases caused by wildfire; and WHEREAS the United States Forest Service and Federal Emergency Management Agency have directed funding to assist in fuel removal and forest health improvement. NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes of the State of California, do hereby issue this order to become effectively immediately: IT IS ORDERED that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) shall secure and deploy additional resources necessary, as determined by the Director, to protect the safety of persons and property from wildfires during periods of elevated fire risk as follows: Staff additional fire crews, fire engines, fire bulldozers, and aviation resources as warranted based on fire threat conditions. Assign a crew of four firefighters to selected CAL FIRE fire engines as warranted based on fire threat conditions. Assign a Helitack Crew to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department helicopter. Provide for immediate availability and utilization of the Supertanker aircraft. Assign additional resources in the CAL FIRE contract counties as warranted based on fire threat conditions. Coordinate with the military for those resources that may be available for assistance during emergencies in California. Assign additional fire safety inspectors where and when beneficial to reduce fire risk. Assign fire lookouts during peak fire conditions as part of CAL FIRE staffing patterns. Increase staffing for command and control functions at CAL FIRE Unit Emergency Command Centers, Northern and Southern Operations centers and the CAL FIRE Sacramento Coordination Center when necessary to respond to significant fire events. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that CAL FIRE obtain additional staffing as necessary to support a heightened level of fire prevention public awareness and education utilizing CAL FIRE Volunteers in Prevention, Fire Safe Councils, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that CAL FIRE continue to expedite the processing of contracts and grants of federal funds to the communities as quickly as possible and support all local and regional responses to the bark beetle affected tree eradication and community emergency planning efforts. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Office of Emergency Services (OES), in consultation and coordination with CAL FIRE, as fire threat conditions warrant, deploy OES fire engine strike teams to ensure a substantial response capability to any wildland fire situation in California, and that the costs of the deployment shall be reimbursed consistent with the California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid Plan and the California Fire Assistance Agreement. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the California National Guard prepare its aviation assets, and pre-position ground support equipment as appropriate for immediate response to major wildfires and report to OES weekly on the status of all aircraft. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, including the Division of Juvenile Justice, place the highest priority for assignment of level-one inmates and wards to staff Conservation Camp Fire Crews. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the California Conservation Corps report to CAL FIRE daily on the status of all its support crews for response to wildfires. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that OES review appropriate state departments to assure preparedness for response to wildfires. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that CAL FIRE and OES work closely with federal, state and local government agencies, bordering states, and the government of Mexico to maximize California's fire prevention and fighting capabilities and to provide appropriate reciprocal assistance when requested. This Order is not intended to, and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable in law or equity, against the State of California, its departments, agencies or other entities, its officers or employees, or any other person. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that as soon as hereafter possible, this order be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given to this order. _______________________________ Arnold Schwarzenegger Governor of California

LA Animal Services Alerts Residents of Wildlife Displacement Posted: 10 May 2007 12:12 PM CDT NEWS RELEASE - LA Animal Services Alerts Residents of Wildlife Displacement City of Los Angeles Department of Animal Services 221 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90012 / www.LAAnimalServices.com CONTACT: Public Relations Office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 213.216.4851 May 9, 2007 LA Animal Services Alerts Residents of Wildlife Displacement Los Angeles – This is an urgent message from Los Angeles Animal Services Wildlife Division: The recent fire in Griffith Park will have a major impact on wildlife in the area. It is important for LA City residents to understand that many wild animals will be displaced by the fire and may turn up in areas of the City of Los Angeles where wildlife has never been seen before. These animals will be looking for water and may be seen drinking from garden ponds, pools and other water reservoirs. These animals will be frightened and in some cases may be suffering from injuries caused by the fire. Displaced animals not injured or orphaned are to be left alone to recuperate and move on. All injured, sick and orphaned wildlife should be reported to LA Animal Services at (888) 452-7381. More information on LA's wildlife can be found at: http://www.laanimalservices.com/aboutani_wildlife.htm For more information or assistance call LA Animal Services at 1-888-452LA-PET1/1-888-452-7381 (TTY Hearing impaired: 877-875-8205) or visit the website at www.LAAnimalServices.com.

LAFD 'Griffith Park' Fire Update Posted: 10 May 2007 11:54 AM CDT LAFD 'Griffith Park' Fire Update - May 9, 2007 8:00 PM The preliminary information below regards an event in progress, and was considered accurate when posted. Changed Information will be in RED Any resident in the immediate path of a wildfire should calmly prepare for evacuation and follow the lawful orders of uniformed public safety officials. An orderly self-evacuation prior to the issuance of official warnings may prove beneficial. Formal evacuation orders - which are often specific to a locale or address, may be provided door-to-door or via loudspeaker. Residents in high danger areas should remain vigilant for contact or announcements. Those who may soon be endangered but are not in the immediate path of advancing flames, are encouraged to monitor local news. In the greater Los Angeles area, official information provided by or on behalf of the Los Angeles Fire Department is often carried on the following news radio stations: AM 640 - KFI AM 980 - KFWB AM 1070 - KNX We encourage Los Angeles residents to find and 'save' these stations on their battery-powered portable and vehicle radios. TIME OF ALARM: 1:20 PM, Tuesday, May 8, 2007 LAFD INCIDENT# 0648 INCIDENT NAME: Griffith Park Fire DISPATCH LOCATION: Intersection of Vermont Avenue and Hillhurst Avenue VEGETATION TYPE: Medium to Heavy Grass and Brush TERRAIN: Steep/Rugged/Rolling Hills WEATHER: Being assessed at time of report CONDITIONS ON ARRIVAL: 7 Acres, moderate wind/topography driven CURRENT SIZE: 817 + Acres (estimate) at 75% Containment CURRENT CONDITION: 84 degress, 2-4 mph swirling winds, 2% humidity 75% contained STRUCTURES THREATENED: Structure Protection in Place, No Immediate Danger. Los Feliz area bordering Griffith Park, East of Vermont Avenue, North of Cromwell Avenue and West of Dundee Place (map) STRUCTURES DAMAGED: 1 Home Damaged, $30,000, Wood Shake Roof. STRUCTURES DESTROYED: None CIVILIAN INJURIES: 1 - Moderate Burns HEALTH ADVISORIES: No formal advisories have been issued. Limiting or avoiding exposure to smoke is always recommended. EVACUATION: AT THIS TIME RESIDENTS ARE BEING ALLOWED BACK INTO HOMES WITH IDENTIFICATION. LA Zoo- CLOSED, NO ANIMALS EVACUATED, ESSENTIAL STAFF REMAINS ON DUTY Gene Autry Museum Golf Course Boys Camp Los Feliz area East of Vermont, North of Cromwell and West of Dundee Pl. 150 homes ** "WARNING TO EVACUATE": (Voluntary) Nearby residents are encouraged to prepare for evacuation, monitor news radio and obey the verbal orders of uniformed public safety personnel in their neighborhood. ** "CANCELLED EVACUATION ORDERS": (Areas Open to Residents only with ID) CADMAN ROAD (MANDATORY EVACUATION) SHANNON ROAD PRESTWICK DRIVE FARMOUTH DRIVE DUNDEE DRIVE DUNDEE PLACE (map). EVACUATION SHELTER: All persons displaced by the fire, including those who will later choose their own accommodations, are encouraged to visit and register at John Marshall High School, 3939 Tracy Street (at St. George St), Los Angeles 90027. ANIMAL SHELTER: Department of Animal Services Staff at Evacuation Shelter. ROAD CLOSURES/TRAFFIC ADVISORIES: See Evacuation Zone Map and Real-Time On-Line Resources. FREEWAY OFF RAMPS INCLUDE: - 5 FWY. - LOS FELIZ NORTH AND SOUTH OFF RAMPS - ZOO DRIVE CLOSED HARD CLOSURES 1) NORTHBOUND WESTERN AVE. AT FRANKLIN AVE. (SOFT CLOSURE – RESIDENTS OK) 2) EAST BOUND LOS FELIZ BL. AT EDGEMONT ST. (SOFT CLOSURE – RESIDENTS OK) 3) EAST BOUND LOS FELIZ BL. AT VERMONT AVE.- 2 T.O. ASSIGNED (DETOUR EAST BOUND TRAFFIC SOUTH BOUND ON VERMONT AVE.) 4) WEST BOUND LOS FELIZ BL. AT VERMONT AVE. - 2 T.O. ASSIGNED (DETOUR DOWNTOWN LA TRAFFIC LEFT ON RIVERSIDE DR., TO FLETCHERDR. TO SUNSET BL. TO 101 FREEWAY) 5) WEST BOUND LOS FELIZ BL. AT COMMONWEALTH AVE. (SOFT CLOSURE – RESIDENTS OK) 6) WEST BOUND LOS FELIZ BL. AT VERMONT AVE. (DETOUR LEFT ONTO VERMONT AVE.) 7) COMMONWEALTH AVE. AT FRANKLIN AVE. (SOFT CLOSURE – RESIDENTS OK) 8) LOS FELIZ BL. AT HILLHURST AVE. - 2 T.O. ASSIGNED 9) NORTH BOUND HILLHURST AVE. AT FRANKLIN AVE. - 2 T.O. ASSIGNED (SOFT CLOSURE – RESIDENTS OK) 10) NORTHBOUND VERMONT AVE. AT FRANKLIN AVE. - 2 T.O. ASSIGNED (SOFT CLOSURE – RESIDENTS OK) 11) NORTHBOUND BERENDO ST. AT FRANKLIN AVE. – HARD CLOSURE 12) NORTHBOUND CATALINA ST. AT FRANKLIN AVE. – HARD CLOSURE 13) NORTHBOUND EDGEMONT ST. AT FRANKLIN AVE. – HARD CLOSURE 14) NORTHBOUND KENMORE AVE. AT FRANKLIN AVE.– HARD CLOSURE 15) MULLHOLLAND HWY.AT CANYON LAKE – HARD CLOSURE LOS FELIZ CLOSURES 1) FERN DELL DR. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 2) HOBART BL. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 3) WINONA BL. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 4) NOTTINGHAM AVE. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 5) CHISLEHURST PL. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 6) EDGEMONT ST. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 7) CATALINA ST. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 8) BERENDO ST. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 9) HILLHURST AVE. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 10) COMMONWEALTH AVE. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 11) OBSERVATORY AVE. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. NELLA VISTA AVE. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 12) RICHLAND AVE. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 13) WAYNE AVE. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 14) LOWRY RD. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 15) GRIFFITH PARK BL. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 16) HUXLEY ST. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 17) LAMBETH ST. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. 18) RIVERSIDE DR. NORTH BOUND AT LOS FELIZ BL. SCHOOL CLOSURES: Not yet determined CAUSE OF FIRE: Under active investigation. INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING. NO SUSPECTS ARE IN CUSTODY. THE PERSON OF INTEREST IS COOPERATIVE WITH INVESTIGATORS. HE HAS PROVIDED USEFULL INFORMATION. AT THIS TIME WE ARE NOT PREPARED TO STATE WHETHER THE FIRE IS ACCIDENTAL OR ARSON. THE PERSON OF INTEREST IS STILL IN THE A LOCAL AREA HOSPITAL. HE HAS BEEN CITED FOR SMOKING IN A BRUSH AREA. LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMITTMENT AND SUMMARY: COMMAND: Los Angeles Fire Department, Griffith Park I.C. COMMAND POST LOCATION: Parking Lot at The Greek Theatre, 2700 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 FIREFIGHTER STAGING: Parking Lot at The Greek Theatre, 2700 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 LAFD RESOURCES ASSIGNED: 15 Fire Companies 7 Rescue Ambulances 4 Helicopters 9 Battallion Chief Officer Command Teams 5 Mutual Aid Strike Team Requests (30 Engines see below) 22 Support companies ALLIED AGENCY RESOURCES ASSISTING: 30 Fire Companies (Mutual Aid) 3 Helicopters (LACoFD) FIREHAWK WITH 1 ADDITIONAL 412 5 Camp Crews (LACoFD) 100+ LAPD Officers AIR OPERATIONS: 4 LAFD Helicopters, 3 LACoFD Helicopters / 4 Fixed Wing assigned TOTAL FIREFIGHTING PERSONNEL: Approximately 500 Firefighters (Approximately 150 throughtout the night). FIREFIGHTER INJURIES: None MEDIA STAGING: Greek Theatre Parking Lot: North End of Parking Lot. ON-SITE MEDIA CONTACT: Captain Antoine McKnight, LAFD Public Information Officer NEXT ANTICIPATED NEWS RELEASE: To be determined. SMALLER ANIMALS: Animal services at Evacuation Center (Marshall High School) ***KEY MESSAGE*** Although it's rare to have this kind of hot weather this early in the fire season, the danger of wildfires is ever present. We are asking for the public's cooperation in helping us to minimize the fire danger. There are things that can be done to accomplish this goal. Please maintain a 200 ft brush brush clearance from homes & structures, have a family evacuation plan with both primary and secondary escape routes, obey all no parking signs on Red Flag Days, limit use of campfires and be careful when handling combustible materials. Together we can accomplish our mutual goal of protecting ourselves and our loved ones from wildfires. ***SUMMARY*** On Tuesday May 8, 2007 at approximately 1:20 PM, a brush fire broke out near the Roosevelt Golf Course in the Griffith Park area of Los Angeles. Arriving companies reported a 7 acre wind/topography driven fire in the steep and rugged hills of the park. The fire moved quickly through medium to heavy dry grass and brush. The fire quickly moving southeast and threatened home in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. Quick and aggressive structure protection by firefighters saved homes. CAUSE: UNDER INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING. NO SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY. THE PERSON OF INTEREST IS COOPERATIVE WITH INVESTIGATORS. HE HAS PROVIDED USEFULL INFORMATION. AT THIS TIME WE ARE NOT PREPARED TO STATE WHETHER THE FIRE IS ACCIDENTAL OR ARSON. THE PERSON OF INTEREST IS STILL IN THE A LOCAL AREA HOSPITAL. HE HAS BEEN CITED FOR SMOKING IN A BRUSH AREA. DAMAGED LANDMARKS IN GRIFFITH PARK: DANTE'S VIEW- DESTROYED BY FIRE CAPTAIN'S ROOST- DESTROYED BY FIRE BIRD SANCTUARY- DAMAGED 10% BY FIRE GRIFFITH PARK NURSERY- 1 CITY VEHICLE LOST, SEVERAL RESTROOMS DESTROYED BY FIRE CEDAR GROVE- DAMAGED 20% BY FIRE

Gypsum Fire 100% Contained - OCFA NEWS Posted: 10 May 2007 11:49 AM CDT Orange County Fire Authority news release May 9, 2007 Subject: Gypsum Fire 100% Contained Contact:CAPTAIN STEPHEN J. MILLER, (714) 573-6201 The Orange County Fire Authority Reports that the Gypsum Fire, which started on May 7 at 2:10 p.m. and burned 140 acres, is now 100% contained as of 7:00 p.m. May 9. The fire is expected to be 100% controlled on May 10 at 7 p.m. Fire crews remain on scene putting water on hot spots and making sure the fire does not rekindle. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night. The fire was ruled accidental and was caused by a CalTrans Road Crew installing metal fencing along the 91 Freeway at Coal Canyon Road. The crew was using a power cutting tool that produced sparks, which ignited the nearby grass. CalTrans crews took every possible measure to try and stop the fire before it spread. However, because of strong winds and dry vegetation, they were unable to stop the fire from spreading. No homes were threatened during the fire, but a mobile home park near Gypsum Canyon Road was evacuated. The Orange County Fire Authority is a joint powers authority that serves more than 1.3 million residents in 22 cities and the unincorporated areas of the county."

Two California Fire chief's selected for elite fellowship Posted: 10 May 2007 11:35 AM CDT Fire chief selected for elite fellowship Milpitas Post Staff Article Launched: 05/09/2007 03:19:26 PM PDT Charlie Dickinson, acting administrator of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Fire Administration, along with three other partners, announced Monday that eight senior fire officials have been selected for fellowships to attend the Harvard University's Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program this summer at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. The 19-day program includes other state and local government leaders from across the country and focuses on exploring the interrelationships between citizens and government, analyzing policy options, and examining the ethical and professional responsibilities of leadership. Milpitas Fire Chief Clare Frank and Fremont Fire Chief Bruce Martin are the only two leaders from California, and among seven nationwide, who were selected. "We are pleased to participate with the IAFC, NFPA and IFSTA to support bringing elected officials, careerists, and appointed executives together to examine and discuss critical challenges facing state and local governments. This Harvard program is considered to be one of the best," said Dickinson. "These individuals will be exposed to a very talented faculty within a very diverse learning environment. We believe that they will return home with new-found knowledge to assist their communities in preparing for emergencies and overall improving the quality of life." The fellowship program for fire service leaders is a joint effort between the USFA and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Fire Service Training Association, the National Fire Protection Association, and Harvard. Each organization funds two fellows.

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