Thursday, December 13, 2007

California Fire News

California Fire News

Link to California Fire News - Structure, Wildland, EMS

USFA - Reports on Fire Department Runs

Posted: 12 Dec 2007 12:31 PM CST

United States Fire Administration Releases Reports on Fire Department Runs only about eight percent of all calls actually involve fire.


About eight percent of all calls actually involve fire.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has issued two (2) special reports, part of its Topical Fire Report Series, examining fire department responses to all types of emergency situations.

In addition to fighting fires, fire departments respond to emergency medical service (EMS) calls; technical rescues; explosions; hazardous threats and conditions; natural disasters, and false alarms. Fire departments are also called upon to respond to a wide variety of none emergency situations.

"Throughout the history of our nation, fire departments have, and continue to provide the necessary response and services to the communities they protect," said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade.

"In today's community and emergency environment, fire protection is only one of the many functions of a fire department. As in the past, today's firefighters are trained to handle all types of incidents, including EMS and will continue to prepare themselves for all types of emergencies, threats and vulnerabilities in the future."

The two reports, the Fire Department Overall Run Profile and the Fire Department Fire Run Profile, were developed by the National Fire Data Center, part of USFA. To understand the full role fire departments play in a community, these reports explore fire department run activity as reflected in the 2004 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data.

The Fire Department Overall Run Profile looks at all types of fire department runs or calls including fire, whereas the focus of the Fire Department Fire Run Profile is strictly fire.

Fifty-five percent of department responses require EMS and rescue services. False alarms account for 12 percent of all fire department runs, followed closely by good intent calls at 10 percent. About eight percent of all calls actually involve fire. Forty-two percent of all fire runs are to incidents involving structures, followed by outside fires at 35 percent.

The short topical reports are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in NFIRS. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information.

Copies of the reports can be downloaded at:

Fire Department Overall Run Profile <

Fire Department Fire Run Profile

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LACOFD Air Ops wins award - Igor I. Sikorsky Humanitarian Award

Posted: 12 Dec 2007 11:19 AM CST

HAI Announces Recipient of the 2008 Igor I. Sikorsky Humanitarian Award




HAI is proud to announce this year's Igor I. Sikorsky Humanitarian Award recipient, County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Air Operations Section, Pacoima, California.

The Los Angeles County terrain can be as diverse as the rugged San Gabriel Mountains, the vast high desert of the Antelope Valley, the islands of Catalina and San Clemente, and the expansive coastline and scenic beaches that make up the greater Los Angeles area. During the fall and winter months, the department routinely battles the destructive wind-driven "Santa Ana" wildfires that push down from the high-desert area to the coastline. The unit has pioneered the use of helicopters in wildland firefighting and is still a leader today in the use of aircraft in urban areas. In 2006, the department battled 405 wildfires and dropped nearly two million gallons of water and retardent. In addition to their expertise in firefighting, the department has been a major player in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations since 1967. In 2006, they transported more than 1,222 patients, performed more than 30 hoist rescues, and flew just over 15,000 passengers.

August 2007 marked the 50th anniversary of the Air Operations Section of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. From their humble beginnings with a single Bell 47 to the present day fleet of three Sikorsky S-70 Firehawks, six Bell 412s, and a Bell 206 JetRanger, the Air Operations Section has been serving the citizens of Los Angeles County with pride. During that time, the unit has flown well over 100,000 hours in support of operations in and around the Southern California area. With more than 4,600 personnel and 179 fire stations, the department is the largest county fire department in the United States, and its population base of 11 million makes Los Angeles County one of the most populated regions in the country.

To ensure safety, pilots work closely with firefighters and paramedic crews. Chief Anthony Marrone credits the staff for the section's safety record. Marrone points out, "We have a great group of dedicated pilots, firefighters, paramedics, and mechanics, that is why we have one of the safest operations in North America." We congratulate the dedicated men and women of the Air Operations Section as they continue to save lives, protect property, battle wildfires, and provide outstanding service for the next 50 years.

All winners will be recognized at HELI-EXPO 2008's annual "Salute to Excellence" Awards Banquet on February 25, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in Houston Texas. For more information about the 2008 "Salute to Excellence" Awards Banquet, contact HAI's Communications Department at 703-683-4646, fax: 703-683-4745, or email: rotor@rotor.com. For more information on HELI-EXPO 2008, visit www.heliexpo.com.

Source link- http://www.rotor.com/Default.aspx?ta...wsid905=57183&

Burn permits avaliable now in Sierra Foothills

Posted: 12 Dec 2007 11:14 AM CST

Restrictions on controlled burning in parts of the Sierra foothills were lifted Tuesday by CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service.

Burn permits now are available for the Camp Nelson, Johnsondale, Ponderosa, Coy Flat, Quaking Aspen, Pierpoint, Rogers Camp, Sugarloaf, Sugarloaf Mountain Park, Sugarloaf Village, Camp Wishon, Doyle Springs, Cedar Slope and Sequoia Crest areas.

The restrictions had been initiated due to the high risk of brush fires in these areas during this year's fire season.

A Forest Service officer may need to see the piles of branches, leaves or other items to burn before a permit is issued.

Call the Sequoia National Forest district office in Springville at 539-2607, extension 222, to request permits.

Carmel - Cal Fire/Cacagua Fire- Prescribed burn today

Posted: 12 Dec 2007 11:05 AM CST

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has scheduled a prescribed burn for today and will burn about 250 acres of brush and oak woodland at the University of California, Berkeley's Hasting Reserve east of Carmel.

The burn will "enhance wildlife habitat and encourage native/palatable forage as well as reduce the fire hazard," Cal Fire said.

Hastings Reserve is a longtime research facility situated 25 miles inland on Carmel Valley Road.

Cal Fire and Cacagua Fire District crews will carry out the burn. Roadside information signs will be strategically located for the traveling public, Cal Fire said.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

California Fire News

California Fire News

Link to California Fire News - Structure, Wildland, EMS

So Cal Fires - BAER - Teams reports 2007

Posted: 11 Dec 2007 08:51 PM CST

Burned Area Emergency Response (B.A.E.R) Team Report

The B.A.E.R Team
Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team reports contain evaluations designed to assist federal, state and local officials in creating comprehensive remediation plans and to guide restoration efforts as a result of the October Wildfires. These reports will help officials develop plans to protect citizens from potential floods and debris flows associated with the upcoming winter rains.
Links to BAER Reports and other documents related to the the major fires/incidents during the California Firestorm 2007
California Reports
*Due to the large file size of these documents it may be advisable to download them for easier reading.
Rice Fire- 11/20 - (12.8M)
Santiago Fire - 11/20 - (5.3M)
Small Fires- 11/20 - (7.3M)
Poomacha Fire - 11/20 - (4.4M)
Canyon Incident - 11/20 - (26.3M)
Witch Fire - 11/20 - (7.5M)
Harris Fire - 11/23 - (6.5M)
Corral Fire - 12/10 - (3.4M)

Press Releases
11/20/07
First Burned Area Reports Out Today

Federal Reports
USGS Debris Flow Studdy
USFS Witch and Poomacha Fire BAER Report
USFS Ranch Fire BAER Report
Bureau of Land Management
USFS Slide Fire BAER Report
USFS Grass Valley Fire BAER Report
BLM Poomach Harris and Witch Fire BAER Report
USFS Harris Fire BAER Report
USFS Santiago Fire BAER Report

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Corral Fire - Malibu - Green sheet - Firefighter Burn Injury Investigation

Posted: 11 Dec 2007 08:43 PM CST

GREEN SHEET - CA-LAC-Corral
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Informational Summary Report of Serious CDF Injuries, Illnesses,
Accidents and Near-Miss Incidents

Firefighter Burn Injury
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Corral Fire
CA-LAC-255190
Firefighter Burn Injury Investigation
CA-CSR-000129


A Board of Review has not approved this Summary Report. It is intended as a safety and training tool, an aid to preventing future occurrences, and to inform interested parties. Because it is published on a short time frame, the information contained herein is subject to revision as further investigation is conducted and additional information is developed.

SUMMARY

On Saturday November 24, 2007 at 3:30 A.M. a vegetation fire occurred in the Malibu area of Los Angeles County in a State Responsibility Area. At 4:49 A.M. CAL FIRE Strike Team 9270C, which was pre-positioned at Ventura staging, was dispatched to the Corral Fire. During suppression activities a Fire Fighter I (FFI) was attempting to extinguish a burning plastic trash can across the street from where Engine (E)2782 was parked. When the FFI opened the nozzle, a splash of molten plastic sprayed onto the face area. The FFI received burn injuries to the face area and was transported by ambulance to UCLA Santa Monica Hospital. After initial assessment the FFI was transported by ambulance to Grossman Burn Center and admitted.

CONDITIONS

The general area was scattered oak trees with ground litter in a rural residential setting. The roads throughout the neighborhood were narrow with over- hanging limbs. The Santa Ana wind event in the area was a significant factor in the spread of the main fire but not a factor in this incident.

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

On Saturday November 24, 2007 at 4:49 A.M. CAL FIRE Strike Team 9270C was dispatched from their pre-positioned staging location in Ventura to the Corral Fire in Malibu, CA.

At approx. 5:30 A.M. the Strike Team Leader and Trainee gave a tailgate safety briefing to the firefighters which included; weather, communications, fuels, topography, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and review of an engine burn over from a previous fire in the same area.

At approx. 6:15 A.M. the Strike Team was assigned structure protection in the Newell Structure group area, where assignment and safety briefings were conducted.

At 7:06 A.M. E2782 was positioned in the driveway at 26160 Fairside Road for structure protection. Once parked, the Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) observed smoke and flames from a burning plastic trash can across the street. The smoke was coming directly towards the engine and crew, so the FAE directed the FFI to go put the fire out. The FFI was wearing wildland fire PPE. His shroud was deployed but was not closed in front of his face. The FFI advanced a hard line from the engine, across the street, to the burning trash can. The FFI was approx. 3-4 feet from the burning trash can with flames less then a foot tall.

The FFI opened the combination nozzle in the straight stream position and sprayed water directly at the base of the flames. When the water hit the burning plastic, a spray of molten plastic and flames enveloped the firefighter. The firefighter stated he could see the lights from the engine and rolled to the ground towards their direction.

The FAE witnessed the incident and immediately called on the radio for the Strike Team leader to respond to their location. The other firefighter, who also witnessed the incident, went to the aid of the burned FFI who was found face down in the roadway.

At 7:07 A.M. oxygen and first aid were given by the crew from E2782 until the Strike Team leader, who is a certified Paramedic, arrived to do an advanced assessment. The decision was made to transport the injured FFI to the hospital by ambulance. A Private ambulance transported the injured FFI to UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica. Notifications were made and a hospital liaison was assigned to meet the FFI at the hospital. The initial assessment from the attending physician at UCLA Medical Center indicated the burns were minor and the FFI would be released.

At 10:50 a.m. the liaison officer consulted with the CAL FIRE Agency Rep. and made the decision to have the FFI transported by ambulance to the Grossman Burn Center. Once admitted to the burn center the FFI went through a debridement procedure, hyperbaric chamber therapy and cadaver skin overlays to aid in the healing process.

INJURIES/DAMAGES

The FFI received 1st & 2nd degree burns to the face and left ear. After the initial assessment at UCLA Medical Center, the FFI was transported by ambulance and admitted to the Grossman Burn Center.

SAFETY ISSUES FOR REVIEW

Maintain situational awareness at all times
Insure the proper wearing and securing of all appropriate PPE

INCIDENTAL ISSUES FOR REVIEW

These items were a positive factor in the handling of this incident.

1. Numerous documented safety briefings were given to the firefighters prior to engaging.
2. Photos of the site were taken minutes after the accident.
3. Medical care was immediate and a Paramedic was on scene within minutes.
4. The Liaison Officer took the initiative to have the patient transported to the Grossman Burn Center where he was admitted until Wednesday November 28, 2007.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert TA07-345A -- Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities

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National Cyber Alert System

Technical Cyber Security Alert TA07-345A


Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities

Original release date: December 11, 2007
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT

Systems Affected

* Microsoft Windows
* Microsoft Internet Explorer

Overview

Microsoft has released updates that address critical vulnerabilities
in Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer. Exploitation of these
vulnerabilities could allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to
execute arbitrary commands.

I. Description

Microsoft has released updates to address vulnerabilities that affect
Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer as part of the Microsoft
Security Bulletin Summary for December 2007. The most severe
vulnerabilities could allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to
execute arbitrary commands. For more information, see the US-CERT
Vulnerability Notes Database.

II. Impact

A remote, unauthenticated attacker could execute arbitrary commands on
a vulnerable system.

III. Solution

Apply updates from Microsoft

Microsoft has provided updates for these vulnerabilities in the
December 2007 security bulletins. The security bulletins describe any
known issues related to the updates. Administrators are encouraged to
note these issues and test for any potentially adverse effects.
Administrators should consider using an automated update distribution
system such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).

IV. References

* US-CERT Vulnerability Notes for Microsoft December 2007 updates -
<http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/byid?searchview&query=ms07-dec>

* Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2007 -
<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms07-dec.mspx>

* Microsoft Update - <https://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/>

* Windows Server Update Services -
<http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/updateservices/default.mspx>

* Securing Your Web Browser - <http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/securing_browser/>

_________________________________________________________________

The most recent version of this document can be found at:

<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA07-345A.html>
_________________________________________________________________

Feedback can be directed to US-CERT Technical Staff. Please send
email to <cert@cert.org> with "TA07-345A Feedback VU#437393" in the
subject.
_________________________________________________________________

For instructions on subscribing to or unsubscribing from this
mailing list, visit <http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html>.
_________________________________________________________________

Produced 2007 by US-CERT, a government organization.

Terms of use:

<http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html>
______________________________________________________________

Revision History

December 11, 2007: Initial release


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California Fire News

California Fire News

Link to California Fire News - Structure, Wildland, EMS

Winter staffing in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties

Posted: 11 Dec 2007 03:16 AM CST

SAN ANDREAS -- Fire season has finally ended in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, as well as the eastern edges of San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, Cal Fire announced Monday.

It is the latest end to a fire season here since 1986 officials said that they officially closed the season Saturday, which ties the Dec. 8, 1986, closing. Only once in the past 60 years has the official fire season lasted longer. That was in 1958, when it did not end until New Year's Eve.

The Tuolumne-Calaveras unit of Cal Fire responded to 303 vegetation fires during the 2007 season. Those fires burned 1,874 acres, causing an estimated $1.8 million in damage. The agency also responded to 344 other fires, including structures and motor vehicles, that caused more than $5 million in damage

Unmanned copter crashes, starts fire

Posted: 11 Dec 2007 03:03 AM CST

Boeing is testing A160 Hummingbird helicopter at SCLA for Defense Department

HILLARY BORRUD Staff Writer
December 10, 2007 - 3:02PM
VICTORVILLE — An unmanned helicopter known as the A160 Hummingbird crashed north of Southern California Logistics Airport Monday afternoon, where Frontier Systems Inc. and Boeing have been testing the aircraft since 2002.

This is the first time the Hummingbird, a 35-foot-long helicopter with a 36-foot rotor, has crashed, said Boeing Advanced Systems spokesman Robert Villanueva.

No one was injured, and Boeing employees at Southern California Logistics Airport, or SCLA, are investigating the cause of the crash.

"We apparently lost one of our test vehicles early this afternoon," Villanueva said. "The good news is, it's an unmanned vehicle" so there were no deaths.

Boeing is developing the A160 "Unmanned Air System" under a contract with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or DARPA, the central research and design organization of the U.S. Department of Defense, Villanueva said. The A160 was not carrying weapons when it crashed.

Victorville firefighters stationed at SCLA responded to the crash at Colusa Road and Helendale Road after it was reported at 2:08 p.m. Monday, said Battalion Chief Warren Peterson of the Victorville Fire Department.

A San Bernardino County Fire Department engine from Adelanto was also called in to assist.

The fire had mostly burned out by the time firefighters arrived, and it covered an area about 30 feet in diameter of desert brush. One injury in the crash was a Joshua tree that seemed to have caught on fire after the Hummingbird hit it.

Pieces of the Hummingbird were scattered widely around the crash site, and much of the craft appeared to have been consumed by the fire.

The A160 is built in Irvine and its missions will include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance attack, according to background material supplied by Boeing.

It can fly at speeds of up to 140 knots at up to 30,000 feet, about 10,000 feet higher than conventional helicopters currently fly, according to Boeing.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Oakland Fire hiring fiasco part 2 - Oakland Fire chief picks his own son?

Posted: 10 Dec 2007 01:20 PM CST

Oakland Fire chief Daniel D. Farrell
Oakland Fire chief hand picks his own son in the hiring process?

OAKLAND, Calif. (CFN)-- Earlier this week, the Oakland Fire Department passed out more than 8,000 applications. Only the first 1,000 would be accepted that was only the start of this ill conceived hiring process.

Some people began lining up three days ahead of time just to turn in applications for the 23 available positions.

Hundreds of people spent a cold Friday night near Oakland's City Hall forming a organized line, hoping to become firefighters.

Then the Oakland fire department perverted the process by hand selecting specific people out of the line
resulting in a near riot! And of those few selected during the process...
The Oakland Fire Chief Daniel D. Farrell's son!

Applicants claimed that some minority applicants, specifically African-American and women, were hand picked over others which sems to be shown in the news videos, There also have been rumors that relatives of high-ranking City Hall officials or people with connections to the fire department were singled out to submit applications.

"That's not true," said Farrell, adding that people who were chosen were in the "right place at the right time."

"With the crowd pushing forward, we tried to get some people from the right side of the crowd, some from the left side of the crowd and some from the middle of the crowd. There were no defined lines," he said.

Farrell admitted that one of his two sons in the lines was picked, while the other was not.

"I didn't personally pick him. He was picked by someone else," he said.

Many of those who came to turn in their applications were turned away, while most others were hand picked out of the line, causing unrest with the obvious favoritism displayed towards certain candidates.

It was suspected that factors such as hiring goals leading to race and sex selection, and favoritism might have come into play.

"It seems like there were people who knew firefighters and they were more likely to be picked than someone who didn't know someone out there," applicant Eddie Grant said.

Others, the lucky special few, said they were content with the selection process.

"I feel like that unfair, but I got picked so I got to be honest, I'm happy about it. And I don't care anymore, cause I got picked," applicant Mohammed Ahmed said.

Oakland officials denied foul play, but said they feel the process didn't go smoothly as planned.

In an interview with NBC11, Oakland human resources official Jacquelyn Edwards said: "Our goal was to attempt to find some kind of way to mitigate between -- and this is kind of a life issue -- between the people that follow instructions, that do what they're asked to do�� and the people that make it up." ( Official Physco Babble?)

Video proof: The hand selection of specific applicant's can be clearly seen in the various news videos including the Chief Daniel D. Farrell pointing out who got in, Including his own son! and 13 more city employee relatives...Video-1, Video-2, Photo- 3

Edwards said she did not think there was any favoritism in the process.

Would-be Oakland firefighters will continue the controversial process in January
In response to the critics, the city is offering a second chance to those that were turned away at the Oakland Fire Department's Training Center on Jan. 12 at 8:30 a.m.

Officials said the 1,000 people selected took written tests Saturday.

CNN.com

News: Breaking News -- MercuryNews.com

AP Top U.S. News At 8:45 p.m.