Salem-News.com Fire-fighters articles Page 52

Oceanside California Surrounded by Fire

Residents are asked to please refrain from using cell phones unless they have an actual emergency.

(OCEANSIDE, Calif.) - The City is asking residents to conserve water at this time due to the increasing water supply needs created by the San Diego County fires.

All residents are asked to please stay off major roadways if at all possible, stay home, stay indoors, avoid cell phone usage and use of 911 unless you have a true emergency.

California Fires Evacuate Hundreds of Thousands (VIDEO)

This is an update on the progress of efforts to suppress the wildfires that are burning out of control in Southern California.

(LOS ANGELES) - Fire safety experts in California say as many as 500,000 residents will have to evacuate before a series of gust-driven fire complete their devastating path across the state.

The situation remains critical, fire officials say the 12 uncontained large fires have burned more than 335,000 acres.

Are the Saints Coming to California? (VIDEO)

Will federal response to the California wildfires be a repeat of Katrina?

(LOS ANGELES) - The video about what didn't happen during the response to Hurricane Katrina offers a vivid perspective of what Southern Californians could face if the federal response and the activities of FEMA mirror the response in New Orleans.

Green Day and U2 teamed together for "The Saints are Coming", a fictitious look at how it might have appeared if the United States federal government had pulled resources out of Iraq for response to the thousands of Americans left homeless by Katrina.

California Requests Declaration of National Emergency Over Fires (VIDEO)

Gov. Schwarzenegger Requests President to Declare a State of Emergency for California Due to Southern California Wildfires.

(LOS ANGELES) - Fire officials say the wildfires burning in Southern California may burn all the way from the mountains to the ocean before it is over. Images of the Malibu Colony on television earlier with flames in the background were a clear indication that this is a fire possibly worse than anything in California's history.

California National Guardsmen Reinforce Firefighters

The Governor has proclaimed a State of Emergency in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today directed the California National Guard (CNG) to make 1500 guardsmen available to support the firefighting efforts in Southern California.

The 1500 guardsmen, including 200 troops currently patrolling the California/Mexico border, will be deployed at the direction of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) to areas where they can have the greatest impact.

California Prison Inmates to Help Fight Fires

Gov. Schwarzenegger Directs CDCR to Utilize Inmate Fire Crews in Response to Major Wildfires.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - California's Governor has directed inmate firefighters and staff from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to deploy across Southern California to work hand-in-hand with state and local firefighters.

As of today, more than 2,300 CDCR inmates and more than 170 custody staff have joined firefighters from city and county fire departments and state agencies as part of a major coordinated effort to battle the widespread wildfires in Southern California.

Health Alert Issued in Los Angeles County

Sensitive individuals at greatest risk include those with heart disease or lung diseases, including emphysema, asthma and chronic lung problems.

(LOS ANGELES) - The Los Angeles County Health Officer is issuing a health alert due to the smoke and associated air pollution from fires in Malibu Canyon, Canyon Country, and the Santa Clarita area. Smoke from these fires includes small particles and gases that can cause health problems.

“Despite significant efforts toward fire containment, air quality in some parts of the County is being adversely affected by the fires,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and County Health Officer. “Small air particles carrying through Los Angeles County can have adverse health effects, and will be particularly unhealthful for sensitive individuals. Those individuals should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.”

Salem Fire Receives Grant for Thermal Imaging Camera

The grant from Fireman's Fund Insurance should be a help in recovering fire victims.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Fireman's Fund Insurance Company announced that a $10,000 grant is being directed from Frank Crystal & Company to the Salem Fire Department for the purchase of a thermal imaging camera.

These cameras are invaluable safety tools as they allow rapid primary searches in near-zero visibility conditions. They also assist in finding fire hidden in walls and other concealed spaces.

California Guard on Stand-By to Fight Wildfires

The UH-60 Blackhawk and the Firehawk are capable of fire suppression missions as well as personnel transport in and out of dangerous and hard to reach locations.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - Five California National Guard helicopters have been requested by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Office of Emergency Services Sunday to support numerous Southern California wildfires that have already forced approximately 150,000 Californians to evacuate their homes.

Four of the five aircraft are currently on stand-by at Mather Air Field. They include one UH-60 Blackhawk and Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base has two UH-60 Blackhawks and 1 Firehawk available.

Fires Could be Among Southern California`s Worst (VIDEO)

Fires are burning throughout a large part of the state.

(LOS ANGELES, CALIF.) - Fire activity significantly increased in southern California over the weekend. Strong Santa Ana winds are challenging firefighters as they battle 11 large fires. So far more than 90,000 acres have already burned. Evacuations are in effect for several communities throughout southern California.

Weather experts say the Santa Ana winds are expected through Tuesday, then should diminished by Wednesday. By the end of the week, Southern California should have favorable weather conditions, with higher relative humidity and cooler temperatures.