Thoughts from the Bark Side

Hi,
First, to get an idea the size and scope of the Station Fire, CLICK HERE. It is an incredible photo essay of the fire. (Thanks Sharon for sending me the link!)

I attended another CERT call-out Thursday which was 6 pm to midnight. This one was much more manageable, especially with the sun going down and the heat dissipating. I got there early to walk around and take some photos.

I came to understand that some of the engines and support units had already been relocated. The sea of tents were fewer and the rows and rows of fire engines, tenders and trucks were less in number also. However, this time I had an opportunity to really see what was going on.

I did take some photos before my shift, but then as I was assigned to “foot patrol” I was able to shoot a few more. I was assigned with a fellow CERT volunteer, and a LA Sheriff’s Civilian Volunteer. Mostly our assignment was to answer questions, give directions and just have a presence there. It was basically just walking around, but I did enjoy it. The other positions were traffic control and a few positions were just to remind the police not carry their weapons into a specific area. Some CERT members had been there for days, going home for a few hours of sleep and then back again. Incredible dedication.

Click here for photos of the Station Fire base camp

Though the base camp was slightly less populated, it was still an amazing area. They had huge sleeper units, semis with air conditioners where the fire fighters could go and get some much deserved rest. There were shower units, sink units for shaving and brushing of teeth, a laundry facility and of course, what would base camp be without a chow line. This night they were serving steak and baked potatoes. Oh, a few of the support trucks had TV’s. Some firefighters had pulled up chairs to watch football on ESPN (I did hear a bit of snoring however.)

Right now the fire is about 50% contained, has burned 154,000 acres. It has been ruled arson and thus whoever set it when found will be charged with homicide for the deaths of the two fire fighters.

The U.S. Forest Service said that the fire has displaced countless animals that are hungry, thirsty and may well wander into neighborhoods searching for food and water. I don’t want to think about those hurt and injured…and worse. What kind of monster sets fires? I just can’t figure it out.

Thanks for reading. If you have the time, please look into volunteering.
Cheers,
Susan

Hi all,

Went to a seminar given for the Los Angeles Fire Department for MCI-Mass Casualty Incident training yesterday.  We CERT’s (Community Emergency Response Team-see previous blog) were invited to attend (and be “victims” if needed). You no doubt heard of that horrific train crash that killed 25 people in Chatsworth.  Some of the firemen had been at that emergency. They had a lot of lessons learned from processing that disaster.

The fire chiefs repeated what everyone has been saying: it is not if the big emergency, earthquake, or terrorist event will happen, it is WHEN!  I’ve now taken over 24 hours of emergency training, and I have to tell you, I don’t think it is possible to feel totally prepared for the unknown.  However, to be as prepared as you can be, you are way ahead of the game.

I put together a website for our community.  Many of the pages are quite applicable to other communities and cities.  Please take a look at SunValleyHills.org (http://www.sunvalleyhills.org)  It has information and links to emergency supply places, PDF downloads of emergency preparation for the home and family, fire safety, etc.  There is also a page for dog rules and safety.  There is also a forum to ask questions and talk about different issues.  You do not have to live in our community to take advantage of the information available.

Hopefully, I can get Shilo back to the computer soon.  He is worse at blogging than I am. 

Cheers,
Susan