RescueKujo

Incident Overview The Station Fire started off Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2) about one mile above Angeles Crest Fire Station around 3:30pm Wednesday August 26, 2009. Angeles Crest Highway, Tujunga Canyon and Big Tujunga Canyon roads are closed. As a result of extreme fire activity, and to protect public health and safety, Angeles National Forest officials implementinged an area closure for lands in the vicinity of the fire. This closure is in effect until cancelled. Please see "closures" for the complete closure order. 3 injuries have been reported. Be ready to evacuate if you are near the fire boundary. Do not hesitate to move to an evacuation center. Current Situation Total Personnel 1,804 Size 35,200 acres Percent Contained 5% Estimated Containment Date Tuesday September 08th, 2009 approx 06:00 PM Fuels Involved Very heavy fuels of ceanothus, chamise, scrub oak and manzanita across the entire fire area, 15 to 20 feet in height with Big Cone Douglas Fir in the drainage bottoms. Fuels have not experienced any significant large fire activity in the past 40 years. Fire Behavior Fire behavior was extremely active with rapid rates of spread and flame lenghts up to 80 feet. A early morning inversion is possible. There is a potential for Sunday's fire behavior to increase significantly with the potential to develop a convection column and spread actively on all fronts. Upslope winds are likely. Drainages may have erratic and gusty winds. Spotting may occur from 1/4 mile up to 1/2 mile. Significant Events Mandatory Evacuations are in effect for over 10,000 homes. The fire is threatening the Mount Wilson Communications Facilities and Observatory and may reach these locations this burning period. Unified Command has expanded. Incident Info InciWeb Various WebCams Mt Wilson Webcam Altadena WeatherCam

US Forest Service just announced this is an arson fire. LA County Sheriff's Department starting a Homicide investigation due to the deaths of Capt Hall and FF Quinones... :angry: :angry:

The fire is now over 144,000 acres. Per the PIO for the fire this is now the largest fire in the history of the Angeles national Forest and LA County. For perspective, here's the list of the 20 largest fires by acreage in California history...by the list this would put the Station Fire #11 by tomorrow... 20 Largest California Wildland Fires (By *Acreage Burned) FIRE NAME/CAUSE DATE COUNTY ACRES STRUCTURES DEATHS 1 CEDAR (HUMAN) October 2003 SAN DIEGO 273,246 2,820 15 2 ZACA (HUMAN) July 2007 SANTA BARBARA 240,207 1 0 3 BEAR WALLOW/ KLAMATH THEATERCOMPLEX (LIGHTNING)June 2008 SISKIYOU 192,038 0 2 4 MATILIJA (UNDETERMINED) September 1932 VENTURA 220,000 0 0 5 WITCH (POWERLINES) October 2007 SAN DIEGO 197,990 1,650 2 6 MARBLE CONE (LIGHTNING) July 1977 MONTEREY 177,866 0 0 7 LAGUNA (POWERLINES) September 1970 SAN DIEGO 175,425 382 5 8 BASIN COMPLEX (LIGHTNING) June 2008 MONTEREY 162,818 58 0 9 DAY FIRE (HUMAN) September 2006 VENTURA 162,702 11 0 10 MCNALLY (HUMAN) July 2002 TULARE 150,696 17 0 11 STANISLAUS COMPLEX (LIGHTNING) August 1987 TUOLUMNE 145,980 28 1 12 STATION FIRE (UNDER INVESTIGATION) August 2009 LOS ANGELES 144,743 91 2 13 BIG BAR COMPLEX (LIGHTNING) August 1999 TRINITY 140,948 0 0 14 CAMPBELL COMPLEX (POWERLINES) August 1990 TEHAMA 125,892 27 0 15 WHEELER (ARSON) July 1985 VENTURA 118,000 26 0 16 SIMI (UNDER INVESTIGATION) October 2003 VENTURA 108,204 300 0 17 HWY. 58 (VEHICLE) August 1996 SAN LUIS OBISPO 106,668 13 0 18 IRON ALPS COMPLEX (LIGHTNING) June 2008 TRINITY 105,805 2 10 19 CLAMPITT (POWERLINES) September 1970 LOS ANGELES 105,212 86 4 20 BAR COMPLEX (LIGHTNING) July 2006 TRINITY 100,414 0 0

Here's a time lapse video of the Station Fire as it blew up on Sunday... Station Fire Video

FireHouse.com Story Take up Ted and Arnie, you saved your crew. You will be remembered as Heroes, and will be missed by many. Rest In Peace.

UPDATE 09-01-2009 2215 PDT Incident Overview After 6 days, the Station Fire is now at 127,513 acres. The Station Fire continues to burn within the Angeles National Forest and near surrounding foothill communities of La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Acton, Soledad Canyon, Pasadena and Glendale. Steep terrain, decadent old growth brush and hot dry weather are factors that drive fire activity. Evacuations and a forest closure order remain in effect. Current Situation Total Personnel4,128 Size 127,513 acres Percent Contained 22% Estimated Containment Date Tuesday September 08th, 2009 approx 06:00 PM Fuels Involved Very heavy fuels of ceanothus, chamise, scrub oak and manzanita across the entire fire area, 15 to 20 feet in height with Big Cone Douglas Fir in the drainage bottoms. Fuels have not experienced any significant large fire activity in the past 40 years. Fire Behavior Fire behavior was moderated today by a weather change. Fire showed low to moderate intensity. Firing operations continued to be successful. Significant Events Firing operations and line construction continued to be successful. These tactics will continue if conditions allow. Outlook Planned Actions Crews will prepare, and protect structures when and where necessary. Additional crews will construct handlines, improve existing lines, burnout as needed, build dozer lines and protect critical communication sites. Firefighters will continue firing and burn operations to help contain the fire. Growth Potential Extreme Terrain Difficulty Extreme Remarks Angeles Crest Highway remains closed and is the primary access route for camps , numerous private residences, and the Mount Wilson Communication Facility and Observatory. Multiple evacuation centers have been established. The Mount Wilson Communications is directly threatened. This facility is a major communications hub for all of Southern California.

Here's tonight's update: Incident Overview A Red Flag Warning will remain in effect due to high temperatures and low humidity until 9:00 p.m. this evening. Fire behavior will be much the same as last night with activefire behavior spreading North/Northeast towards Pear Blossom and Little Rock and towards the subdivisions along I-215. The greatest fire activity is expected in the Big and Little Tujunga areas. Fire is expected to spread towards Mt. Wilson and the San Gabrial Wilderness. The Station Fire is now estimated to be 105,296 acres. The fire is spreading east and north with some northwest spread. Firefighters are making some progression on the NW edge of the fire. Small scale firing operations to help in suppression efforts are taking place north of La Canada Flintridge and Glendale. A hotshot crew and engines from Glendale Fire Department and LA County are reporting that they are experiencing success with the mission. 65 personnel have been pulled back from Chileao Flats for safety reasons. Crews, engines, water tenders are working in the Mt. Wilson area. The Station Fire continues to burn within the Angeles National Forest and near surrounding foothill communities of La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Acton, Soledad Canyon, Pasadena and Glendale. The goals of the firefighters are to keep the fire west of Highway 39 and Angeles Crest Highway, east of Interstate 5, south of Highway 14, Pearblossom Highway, and Highway 138, and north of the foothill communities and the Angeles National Forest Boundary. Steep terrain, decadent old growth brush and hot dry weather are factors that drive fire activity. Firefighters are working to build fireline and protect structures within areas affected by the fire. Approximate Personnel Assigned:3,655 Helicopters 13 Air Tanker 8 (3 additional aircraft available as needed) Engines 399 Hand Crews 44 Dozers 48 Water Tenders 43 The Forest Service (Lead Agency) with support of Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sherriffs Department, California State Highway Patrol, Cal Trans, Los Angeles City Fire Department and other agencies is working to contain the Station Fire Basic Information Incident Type Wildfire Cause Under Investigation Date of Origin Wednesday August 26th, 2009 approx 03:30 PM Location Los Angeles River Ranger District / Angeles National Forest Incident Commander Michael Dietrich Current Situation Total Personnel 3,655 Size 105,296 acres Percent Contained 5% Estimated Containment Date Tuesday September 08th, 2009 approx 06:00 PM Fuels Involved Very heavy fuels of ceanothus, chamise, scrub oak and manzanita across the entire fire area, 15 to 20 feet in height with Big Cone Douglas Fir in the drainage bottoms. Fuels have not experienced any significant large fire activity in the past 40 years. Fire Behavior Fire behavior was extremewith long range spottin and plume dominated fire behavior on two fronts, North and West. Significant Events Mandatory Evacuations are in effect for the Verdugo Crestline North area in the City of Los Angeles and Glendale.

As of 2100 PDT 08/30/2009 Current Situation Total Personnel 2,575 Size 42,500 acres Percent Contained 5% Estimated Containment Date Tuesday September 08th, 2009 approx 06:00 PM Fuels Involved Very heavy fuels of ceanothus, chamise, scrub oak and manzanita across the entire fire area, 15 to 20 feet in height with Big Cone Douglas Fir in the drainage bottoms. Fuels have not experienced any significant large fire activity in the past 40 years. Fire Behavior Fire behavior was extremely active with rapid rates of spread and flame lenghts up to 80 feet. All thresholds in place for determination of active fire behavior have been exceeded. Inversions to settle in after 4:00 am. Ridgetop winds will be relatively steady and light. Spotting may occur from 1/4 mile up to 1/2 mile. Significant Events Mandatory Evacuations are in effect in many locations. The fire is threatening the Mount Wilson Communications Facilities and Observatory and may reach these locations this burning period. Unified Command has expanded. Outlook Planned Actions Prepare and protect structures when and where necessary. Air operations may be limited because of convection columns. Growth Potential Extreme Terrain Difficulty Extremely steep and inaccessible Remarks 18 homes have been destroyed. 10,000 homes threatened. 500 commercial properties and 2,000 other stuctures threatened. 1 other note of concern...Mt Wilson, home of an observatory and multiple communications and TV antennas is under extreme threat..expected to be overun during the night of 08/30 into 08/31...

I will be updating the fire info soon, but breaking news off the Station Fire: A LA County Fire Department vehicle overturned on Mount Gleason killing 2 Firefighters. Info has not been released but officals have announced the deaths...

Date: 08/26/2009 Time: 3 pm PDT Location: In the hills north of La Canada Flintridge Northern Part of Los Angeles County Departments: US Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Glendale Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Numerous Local Government Strike Teams Description: Major wildland fire in the mountains north of the town of La Canada Flintridge. Started 8/26/2009 really blew up overnight and today goiong from 6000 acres to over 20,000 acres. Areas threatened include the Jet propulsion laboratory in Pasadena, the cities of Glendale, La Crescentia and Pasadena. Fire burning Northwest towards Antelope Valley communities of Lancaster/Palmdale. Links: KTLA StoryKABC LA Channel 7 Story Writer: RescueKujo Incident Update Thread

Chris, just wanted to wish you a happy birthday today. I hope you have a great day!-Duane

Multiple wildland fires burning throughout the state, from Santa Barbara County 90 minutes north of Los Angeles to almost the Oregon/California state line...Here's some information from Cal-Fire. Mutual Aid Strike Teams (5 Engines and Batt Chief) from throughout the state responding or onscene... Lockheed Fire-Santa Cruz County (Southwest of San Francisco) as of 08-14-2009 1830 PDT 15% contained (which means line around the active fire) 5036 acres Lockheed Fire Info Corral Fire-Alemeda County (Altamont Pass near Livermore) as of 08-14-2009 1200 PDT 10% containment 10,000 acres Corral Fire Info SHU Lightning-Shasta County as of 8-14-2009 1800 PDT 70% contained 17,600 acres SHU Lightning Fire Info Yuba Fire-Yuba County started this afternoon-as of 08-14-09 1855 PDT 0% contained 1000 acres Yuba Fire Info La Brea Fire-Santa Barbara County East of Santa Maria as of 08-14-2009 1800 PDT 10% containment 69,100 acres La Brea Fire Info California Statewide Fire Map

Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas 30, was shot and killed while on patrol near Campo, California, at approximately 9:15 pm. He was shot multiple times after exiting his patrol vehicle on the Shockey Truck Trail along the border. Agent Rosas had served with the Border Patrol for three years. He is survived by his wife, 2-year-old son, and 11-month-old daughter. Officer Down Memorial Page Agent Rosas Profile May God watch over Agent Rosas' family, friends and fellow Agents during this tragic time.

Date: 07/23/09 Time: 2130 PDT Location: Area of Shockey Truck Trail near US/Mexico Border Departments: Cal Fire, Campo Fire-Rescue Department, AMR, US Border Patrol, CHP, San Diego County Sheriffs, FBI Description: A US Border Patrol Agent was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the head after being seperated from fellow agents while chasing a suspicious group of possible illegal aliens. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the Agent was pronounced at scene. It is unknown if the agent was able to return fire, but evidence makes it appear that at least 1 suspect was wounded. Links:KGTV 10 Link/Story Officer Down Memorial Page Writer: RescueKujo

Wouldn't you continue if you saw your medical license flying out the window??

KGTV Story-Convicted Felon Certified as EMT

Cogs, The papparazzi and crowd that gathered at UCLA caused the LA County Coroner's office to request LA County Sheriff's Air 5 Helo to bring the body to the morgue. Also, LA TV stations already showing a photo shot through the side door of the ambulance of MJ intubated and a medic bagging him...just sick..

The Los Angeles Lakers have won the NBA Championship, and the fine citizens are finding another excuse to riot. LAPD is on Tactical Alert, SWAT Teams have responded to the area of Staples Center to assist. Fans overturning cars and lighting trees and other items on fire. At 1 point, a group climbed up a hill from Staples and got onto the I110 freeway, causing the CHP to consider shutting the freeway.

Actually, EMSC is the parent company and AMR/GMR are separate companies/divisions within the company...

Update: 8 LAPD officers injured and 18 people arrested...with more to come as LAPD will be reviewing news footage and hopefully identify people who were stupid enough to be videotaped in action.... Note to myself: if ever a part of a civil disobediance siuation as a perp, don't look into the camera with my face uncovered and flash gang signs...

This Memorial Day, remember the reason for this day, and not the commercial endevors it seems to create. Remember the Fallen and Pray for those in Harm's Way protecting the Freedoms that this glorious country gives to it's citizens.... Joel McCrae's "In Flanders Fields" from WW1 In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Seth, We use it here for my company, and many agencies are too. Simple typing isn't all dispatchers/calltakers do anymore, so a typing test doesn't give a good impression of how someone will be able to handle the multi-tasking that a dispatcher must do.... Now if only my company wouldn't assume that because someone worked in another comm center they can handle it in our center...

Date: 05/05/2009 Time: 1400 PDT Location: Foothills above Santa Barbara Departments: Santa Barbara County FD, Santa Barbara City FD, Cal Fire, USFS, Multiple Strike Teams from throughout California Description: Urban Interface wildland fire burning in the foothills above Santa Barbara. As of 0300 PDT fire has burned 500 acres with potential for more. Over 1000 homes are threatened. Winds blowing 20-30 mph, but sundowner winds did not blow last night. Links:MSNBC Story Writer: RescueKujo

Date: 05/05/2009 Time: 2330 Location: Area of Interstate 8/Kitchen Creek Rd Departments: Cal Fire, USFS USMC San Diego County Sheriff's Department Description: A USMC AH-1 Cobra crashed while returning from exercises in the Imperial Valley. Units onscene awaiting Military EOD due to live ordnance onboard the helo. Both persons on board are believed to be dead at this time. The crash did start a small wildfire, which is somewhat contained due to firefighting efforts at a standstill due to the live ordnance. Links: Writer: RescueKujo

This morning, the Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Community came together to remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country at the US Naval EOD School at Eglin AFB in Florida. Each year, the names of those who were killed while performing EOD duties are added to the Memorial at the school. This morning the following names were added (Service in parentesies) Sgt James K. Healy-USA KIA January 2008 EOD1 Luis A Souffront-USN KIA February 2008 TSgt Anthony L. Capra-USAF KIA April 2008 SFC Lawrence D. Ezell-USA KIA April 2008 SSgt Christopher D. Strickland-USMC KIA June 2008 SSG Brian E. Studer-USA KIA August 2008 May God watch over the souls of the Fallen and their families, friends and fellow EOD Technicians. May the Fallen never be forgotten.