LAFD Involvement in Fighting Recent California Brush Fires
The brush fires currently burning throughout the State are events which many in the fire service now consider to be our “new normal.” We attribute this brush fire activity to three main factors:
Global Warming
Drought conditions for six out of the last seven years
Increased construction within the Wildland-Urban Interface
Like other areas of California, Los Angeles experienced what would become historical brush fires in 2017, the largest three of which burned a combined acreage of over 23,000 acres in the City of Los Angeles (La Tuna Fire, Creek Fire, and Skirball Fire). In 2018 the LAFD has remained busy battling wildfires in Los Angeles, however the public haven't heard of many of these wildfires because we stomped them out while they are small, before any structures are threatened or anyone was injured. One contributing factor that many are suprised to learn is that if a fire erupts in a Mutual Threat Zone in Los Angeles, LAFD and LACoFD together, dispatch the largest fleet of initial attack aviation resources in the United States!
“I am proud of the work that our Firefighters and Paramedics do every day and especially proud of our members deployed throughout the State to fight these devastating brush fires.” - LAFD Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas
WHAT WE ARE DOING:
Our Department has been preparing for this “new normal” for the past several years and is well positioned for the challenges it brings. Some examples of our members multi-year preparation efforts include:
Annual Brush Fire Training
Procurement of improved Brush PPEs
Creation of a Type III Engine Strike Team
Replacement of our aging helicopters
Usage of WiFIRE technology to predict Brush Fire Rate of Spread
Implementation of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV-Drone) Program, which allows us to use FLIR technology to locate “hot spots” and gain aerial view “situational awareness”
Participation in the Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS), which requires “certified” members to be placed in ICS positions
Regular Strike Team and Overhead Team deployment, so we can gain and maintain valuable brush fire experience that can be utilized in protecting our City
Mendocino Complex
LAFD Strike Team 1880C is assigned to the Mendocino Complex where they have improved containment lines in multiple divisions, prepped and defended the Lake Pillsbury Resort, and worked with Little Tujunga Hotshots putting fire on the ground. They also assisted the Truckee Hotshots with firing operations, created a helispot on top of “Round Mountain” in Division Romeo and were called out of base camp during their mandatory rest period for an immediate need. Sadly, 1880C was working in Division C where the tragic death of Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett occurred. His death was felt deeply across the fire community. Additionally, on Sunday, August 19, five members of 1880C were injured during operations at the Mendocino Complex Fire. All five suffered minor injuries and were treated and released from area hospitals. No LAFD apparatus were damaged during this incident, and we are thankful that our members are home safe.
Carr Fire
During the first three days of work, LFD Strike Team 1002A (S/T1002A) was assigned to Branch 1, Division Y. Our members were tasked with mop up operations and supervising 20 water tenders for the 24 hour work period. S/T 1002A supported thousands of feet of hose lays, set up water pods, and kept a constant flow of water for our strike team and Cal fire Strike Teams. During the evening S/T 1002A patrolled Division Y putting out hot spots, backhauling equipment and supplies, and patrolling the fire ravaged wildland.
Most recently, Strike Team 1002A was assigned to Branch 1, Division Tango where the mission was to patrol an area that was decimated by fire earlier in the week, assisted occupants with rehousing, and providing assistance for the Redding Fire Department as they mourned the loss of one of their own.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
The LAFD would love to place a fire engine in the driveway of every home when threatened by a wildfire, however that simply is not possible. We need you to join our team. Provide the defence and we will provide the offense. Have proper brush clearance around your home and know the Ready, Set, Go program.
