Headlines - Just News headlines all the time: Feb 19, 2009

Thursday, February 19, 2009

California Fire News - Updates in your mail box

Link to California Fire News - Structure, Wildland, EMS

LODD: Aussie Firefighter was killed when a tree fell on him

Posted: 18 Feb 2009 10:54 PM PST

Australian fire officials have announced a 58 year old firefighter was killed when a tree fell on him, while connecting hose to the fire appliance.

Death of ACT Fire Brigade Senior Firefighter (qualified) David Balfour was by a falling tree near burned out Marysville yesterday
Firefighter Balfour was a member of the ACT Fire Brigade on assignment from neighboring Canberra.

"One drop in the pond sends out a ripple effect all the way to the edge of the pond."

Statement from Celia Balfour
It is with my deepest regret that I inform friends, work colleagues and the greater Canberra community that my husband of twenty years and father of my three children aged 14, 13 and 10 David James Balfour has passed away. David was a professional fire-fighter with the A.C.T. fire brigade for 11 years in which time he undertook specialised training in many key areas.

He was on a task force from Canberra helping in the Victorian fire disaster. He was tragically killed when a tree, decimated by the fires, fell on him.

Full story here -Link

OCFA News: OCFA to Accept Delivery of Second Bell 412 Helicopter

Posted: 18 Feb 2009 05:36 PM PST

Press Release - Orange County Fire Authority - www.OCFA.org
Subject: OCFA to Accept Delivery of Second Bell 412 Helicopter
Contact: Captain Greg McKeown, PIO (714) 573-6201 or gregmckeown@ocfa.org

Orange County, Ca.– As a result of the recommendations from the Santiago After Action Report and the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission Report, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) purchased two new Bell 412 Helicopters. The OCFA will accept its second helicopter during the Helicopter Association International 2009. Heli-EXPO held at the Anaheim Convention Center on Sunday, February 22 at 2 p.m. at the Bell Helicopter Booth.

This aircraft along with the first that was received in December 2008, will be used to replace the current aging 1966 models that the OCFA has had in service since 1995. "Both new helicopters offer much more capability and efficiency that will enhance the OCFA's service abilities," said Division Chief Brian Stephens. "Both aircraft will be used for firefighting, rescue, and other missions for the citizens of Orange County."

The new aircraft offer:
• Twin engines with four blades that will enhance safety, increase
operational effectiveness, and expand mission capabilities.
• Night vision goggle capabilities enabling missions at night.
• 600 lb. Rescue Hoist.
• Fire Mapping System.
• 350-gallon fixed water/foam tank that will be used for water drops over wildland fires.
• Hydraulic Snorkel enables the aircraft to fill its water tank while hovering, increasing our firefighting effectiveness.

To attend the event and for event specific media questions, please visit www.heliexpo.com