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News
In Pictures: LB Firefighters Battle Hellish Simi Valley Blaze, Save Homes, Survive Firestorm, Fight Despite Fatigue
(Oct. 28, 2003) -- As first reported on Oct. 26 by LBReport.com (link below), LB firefighters have been providing mutual assistance in battling the massive mountain fires.
Five LB fire units were deployed to Simi Valley...a total of 22 LB firefighters plus a battalion chief and his assistant. (A sixth unit has been in the San Bernardino mountains.)
Here is their story from Simi Valley in pictures, with information provided by LBFD Public Information Officer Wayne Chaney:
LB firefighters were in the thick of the Simi Valley inferno.
Photo: Capt. Moe Sinsley, LBFD |
At times, they were surrounded by fire:
Photo: Jim Rexwinkel, LBFD |
LBFD was actively involved in defending homes, due in part to LB's Type 1 staffing level of four firefighters per truck.
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Photo: Capt. Moe Sinsley, LBFD |
As the fire approaches, LB firefighters prepare to defend homes.
Photo: Jim Rexwinkel, LBFD |
After battling the inferno for up to 30 hours without a rest, LB firefighters slept where they could...on the ground or on their truck. This photo was taken just minutes before they were dispatched to their next assignment.
Photo: Capt. Moe Sinsley, LBFD |
Following hours of grueling work, the exhausted LB firefighters on scene are scheduled to be relieved at 6:00 a.m. today (Oct. 28) with a rotation of fresh LBFD personnel (22 firefighters, plus a battalion chief and assistant).
PIO Chaney said all LB fire stations are filled and operating, utilizing spare apparatus and backfilled with personnel to provide coverage to LB. LB taxpayers will be reimbursed by the state of CA for LB firefighters deployed to the mountain fires, Chaney said.
Related coverage:
Five LB Fire Units In Simi Valley; Saved 25 Homes; Had Life Threatening Close Call; Holding Line Near Reagan Library; Another LB Unit Deployed To Protect Arrowhead Ranger Station
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