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This Summer, not a day has gone by that someone hasn't sought the Los Angeles Fire Department's formal opinion about this being the hottest, driest, wettest, most 'fire dangerous', latest spring, earliest summer season our nation, state, region, county, city has ever encountered.

Just pondering the many questions is enough to make our heads spin.

While we certainly aren't qualified to take the place of national climate, geology and wildfire experts, we've sought to offer local perspective about historical events in our City, such as the Laurel Canyon wildfire of July 10, 1959 - if for no other reason than to underscore that year-round wildfire danger is nothing new to Southern California.

And while our focus will indeed remain local, today's 30th anniversary of a deadly flood in Colorado gives us good reason to share a need for everyone to remain vigilant for unexpected weather events, especially when traveling.

It's been thirty years since the rainstorms of July 31, 1976 sent a massive wall of water through Big Thompson Canyon near Boulder, Colorado, taking the lives of 144 persons, including many visitors.

And while many will gather today in Colorado for a somber memorial to those who persished, it is fitting for all of us to honor those who died by better arming ourselves with the knowledge of how to avoid and survive such situations.

To that end, our friends as the U.S. Geological Survey have debuted a new website which includes scientific and safety information for surviving floods.

We hope you and your loved ones will take a moment to remember those killed in Big Thompson Canyon, and then spend just a few short minutes at the new USGS Natural Hazards Gateway website.

It's a few minutes that could make this your best year ever.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Tags: LA, Los Angeles, LAFD, Los Angeles Fire Department

The Official Seal of the Los Angeles Fire Department is of great significance to the men and women of the LAFD. Emblematic of our organization and its culture, the Official Seal appears on many Fire Department documents and is displayed ceremoniously on flags, banners and lecterns. It also serves as the basis for a popular collector's edition patch.

We welcome you to learn more about this inspiring symbol.

THE SHAPE

The Official Seal of the Los Angeles Fire Department is round to symbolize uniform and eternal vigilance.

THE BIRD

The mythical Phoenix, an eternal "bird of fire", symbolizes power, tradition and the cycle of nature. Upon our Seal, the mature bird's claws are not extended, rather they are secured firmly about the axe, a traditional tool in the battle against fire, signifying the importance of physical strength and control.

THE CROSS

Our contemporary version of the Maltese Cross has four branches representing the indestructible and at times adversarial elements ever-present in a Firefighter's realm: Fire, Water, Earth and Air.

The actual cross used by the Knights of Malta, a more geometric version of this famed symbol, has a pair of distinct points upon each of the four branches. These are said to denote eight noble aspirations:

• To Live in Truth


• To Have Faith


• To be Repentant of Sins


• To Give Proof of Humility


• To Love Justice


• To be Merciful


• To be Sincere and Whole-Hearted, and


• To Endure Persecution.

THE COAT OF ARMS

Emblazoned upon the center of our Maltese Cross is the Coat of Arms from our City's Official Seal, which is also found on the badge worn by every Los Angeles Firefighter. Its presence dignifies the history of our City and honors our central purpose of courageously protecting its people. The lion and the castle symbolize the Arms of Spain and represent Los Angeles under Spanish rule from 1542-1821. The eagle and serpent portray the Arms of Mexico and of Los Angeles under Mexican rule from 1822-1846. The Bear Flag shows the valiant spirit of the new California Republic of 1846, while the Stars and Stripes boldly indicate a modern day Los Angeles that is a proud and deeply patriotic part of a nation and people united.

THE HELMET

The Helmet symbolizes our commitment to safety, as well as signifying our respect for knowledge, wisdom, character and being.

THE STAR OF LIFE

The "Star of Life"; is a six barred blue cross representing the six critical elements of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) which we are honored and trusted to optimize:

• Detection


• Reporting


• Response


• On-Scene Care


• Care in Transit


• Transfer to Definitive Care

THE SERPENT AND STAFF

The single coiled Serpent and Staff upon the Star of Life are representative of Aesculapius, the Greek god of healing.

THE BUGLE

The Bugle signifies the importance of clear communication and unified command. It is symbolic of the trumpets and megaphones that were historically used to coordinate firefighting efforts.

THE LADDER

The Ladder symbolizes the growing structure of our vocation, as well as signifying the importance of a Firefighter's willingness to rise up and overcome any challenge.

We welcome you to visit a Los Angeles Fire Station and see how these virtues are embodied in the men and women of the LAFD.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Tags: LA, Los Angeles, LAFD, Los Angeles Fire Department

City Recognizes Marines Who Tried To Save Fire Victims:

LOS ANGELES -- Two Marines were recognized Friday for their attempt to save people from a burning house.

Cpl. Richard Figueroa and Staff Sgt. Jose Umana were recognized at a ceremony conducted by the city council and fire department.

The two men discovered a home on fire June 27 on 2nd Avenue in Los Angeles' West Adams District. They broke windows and tore through bars to enter the home and search for occupants... (more)

NBC4's Robert Kovacik offers the details in a stirring video, which merely underscores our profound admiration for the men and women of our Armed Forces at home and abroad.

Semper Fi!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Tags: LA, Los Angeles, LAFD, Los Angeles Fire Department

Companies were preparing for shift change when an east reading box sounded shortly after 17:15 hours. Engine Companies 13,5,1,3 Tower 1, The Rescue and Medic Unit were sent to 324 Miller Street for multiple calls of smoke issuing from windows of a dwelling. Engine 13 made the block of the difficult street and advised there was smoke showing, with the smell of burnt food. Companies discovered a barbeque grill lit within the residence. While making report to communications, Dispatch requsted Engine and Rescue 1 to be freed for another box at 9th and Exeter. Engine Companies 9,11,1,3 Snorkel (L3) and Rescue and EMS found a garage to the rear of a property on 9th street well involved. Companies stretched in and knocked the fire down quickly.

Come to think of it, "oops" isn't the word. Make that "wow". Thanks to the scores who were listening live, and the dozens who tried to get through on our initial (test) broadcast on Sunday morning, July 30, 2006.

While we pride ourselves in a consistent "we" focus on this blog, I wanted to offer this message in a more personal sense.

Unfortunately, due to a confluence of technical issues, I was not able to properly activate the caller-bridge to connect with those who called... which we all agree is the most interesting and important part of an interactive show.

The callers could hear each other - but I could not hear them.

While a real radio station might respond to technical glitches with a lengthy pre-recorded promo, advertisement or theme music, you get to listen to LAFD TalkRadio live without a pause.

Come to think of it, that's half the fun.

Since many of you have asked, please know that what happened was frustrating but by no means discouraging. When nothing is ventured my friends, nothing is gained.

The purpose our LAFD's experiment on BlogTalkRadio is to give each of you a voice and our ear. In that regard, we owe you thanks for helping us learn. Ah, if only you could have seen what was taking place in the background. Thank goodness I wasn't using a webcam in our office. :)

I'd like to thank the BlogTalkRadio staff who were working real-time in earnest to resolve the problems on an otherwise bucolic Sunday. Alan Levy and his team are remarkable and spirited. In many ways, they remind me of the men and women I am honored to work with at the LAFD.

... and so we will soldier on, with an apology for your inconvenience. I know that all of us at LAFD Media & Public Relations can count on your support and frank opinion as we push forward in the LAFD TalkRadio arena. Thanks for being there to help us test our skills, and to make the magic happen.

From the Bunker,

-BH-

FYI, I'll be joining BlogTalkRadio CEO Alan Levy on his show tonight (Sunday, July 30, 2006) at 5:00 PM PDT, please feel free to call or listen. Click here for more information.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Tags: LA, Los Angeles, LAFD, Los Angeles Fire Department