(October 26, 2003, update 6:45 p.m.) -- As LBReport.com reported earlier today, six LB units (trucks with personnel) are among those on the fire lines in response to the massive mountain fires.
LBFD Public Information Officer Wayne Chaney five units were originally requested for the San Bernardino mountain area...but were then diverted to the Santa Clarita area fire (near Magic Mtn, near Hwy 126 @ I-5)...have now been redeployed to Simi Valley where as we post there are over 47,000 acres involved and zero containment (10/26 @ 6:20 p.m.)
PIO Chaney tells LBReport.com that as of Oct. 25 at 8 p.m., LB firefighters were immediately deployed and have been working nonstop full time fighting fires. Except for small breaks of about 15 minutes, and a quick sandwich (very little food), they've been fighting fires.
The LB firefighters were first deployed to a equestrian center in the area in a canyon. Battalion Chief Tim Cady told PIO Chaney, "It's unbelievable. I've been on many strike teams and we're overwhelmed."
The five LB engines and battlion chief were deployed about a dozen times with active fire in battles to protect peoples' homes
PIO Chaney says LBFD saved 25 homes. In one case, embers actually entered attic vent, and LB firefighters pulled ceilings and put the fire out and saved the house. Some houses were lost in what was described as a terrible conflagration.
There's no estimate on how long LB firefighters will be deployed.
As we post, LB firefighters are protecting a housing tract near the 23 freeway. If it jumps the road, LBFD is to try and stop it...and it's near the Reagan Library. Battalion Chief Cady told PIO Chaney that he's looking at Air Force One.
"Our guys are working under the worst conditions, working non stop, little food, but still protecting peoples homes and not letting up," PIO Chaney said.
He said there was a very close call. Engine 11 deployed for structural protection...and a fire actually lit up right in front of them. The LB firefighters had to deploy their fire shelters, which they wear on their belt. It's a portable lifesaving pup tent that's to be used only if everything goes bad. Made of flame resistent material, the firefighters have to pull it out and use their hands and legs to keep it from blowing away. It's the only thing that keeps them from being incinerated.
Chief Cady said because of lack of resources on scene, LBFD has a high level responsibility and there's a big demand on the LB rigs...that's why LB firefighters have been basically working nonstop.
"It's a lot of work to fight a structure in the city, but what they're doing is taxing them to their limit. No rest, no food, and they're still fighting the beast," Chaney added.
Another LBFD unit, the sixth deployed (Engine 9) was sent to San Bernardino, highway 330 southwest of Arrowhead, covering a ranger station, to protect the structure. The fire is expected to come up the hill tonight...and LBFD is assigned with untis from Monrovia, Arcadi and Monterey Park.
PIO Chaney said all LB fire stations are filled and operating, utilizing spare apparatus and backfilled with personnel to provide coverage to LB.
Chaney said LB taxpayers will be reimbursed by the state of CA for LB firefighters deployed to the mountain fires.
Out of concern for maintaining LB resources, PIO Chaney said LB's Deputy Chief of Fire Operations Al Patalano insisted that mutual aid units actually be needed for structural protection.
And they certainly are.
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