Foam Tender – this is one of the more unusual apparatus operated by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Using a specialized foam (see below) combined with water, this rig is extremely useful when suppressing fires that are resistant to traditional water-based operations. Class A foams were developed in mid 1980s and were used when suppressing […]
Sometimes called hand crews, there are multiple types of crews, including Type I Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHC), Type 1, Type 2-Initial Attack (IA), Type 2, and Type 3. Type 2 crews are often made up of seasonal firefighters whereas a Type I IHC crew are “Hotshots” and have at least 7 full time, career firefighters
Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance – these vehicles are typically referred to as Medic units, although some agencies, such as the Los Angeles Fire Department call them Rescue Ambulances, or RAs. A BLS ambulance is typically staffed by two EMTs or Firefighter/EMTs. They’re useful when transporting patients in stable condition, or with basic traumatic injuries
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ALS (Advanced Life Support) Rescue Ambulance – these vehicles are staffed by paramedics or firefighter/medics. A paramedic is similar to an EMT, but has additional training to allow them to dispense a wide array of medications that will help stabilize a patient while en route to a hospital. In many cases, a BLS ambulance will
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The west coast calls them “Truck Companies.” The east coast calls them “Ladder Trucks.” In both cases, an aerial ladder truck is a critical component when fighting structural fires. A tiller truck, also known as a tractor-drawn aerial, tiller ladder, or hook-and-ladder truck, is a specialized turntable ladder mounted on a semi-trailer truck. Unlike a
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An AARF or Airport Crash Rig – this is one of the very specialized apparatus stationed at airports in California. Originally called “Crash Rigs,” these fire engines are specifically designed to quickly suppress fire in the event of an aircraft accident. Traditionally, AARF rigs have included both Crash Fire Rescue (CFR) and Rapid Intervention Vehicles
The San Francisco Chronicle has developed a California fire map that allows people to see in near real-time where wildfires are burning in the state. Of some important interest, past wildfires also show up, so a good understanding of trends and conditions can be realized. Active fires can be selected,
The California Fire Prevention Organization has earned a FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant to support the organization’s focus on wildfire education, prevention, and awareness. The grant, which will run through the summer of 2023 will allow the organization to support a wide array of activities throughout the State –
There is a grim forecast for the State of California’s Drought situation. Although there was favorable rainfall in April (and some snow), that did little to alter the trajectory of sapped water supplies. This is the third year in a row when drought has created multiple challenges for the State.
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