July 08, 2008
State Firefighters Stretched and Stressed
California firefighting resources are beginning to show signs of strain as the California Firestorm of 2008 continues. As a former firefighter I am growing concerned for the safety of my brothers and sisters on the line. You could see it coming from the morning and evening incident reports over the last week.
Fire commanders have consistently called for additional men and equipment to fight their fires but the help is not there. I've written about the continuous calls for resources by the Piute Fire command. Similar requests are being made by fire commanders statewide. Now we are seeing signs firefighters are bending under the endless hours on the fire lines.
Thirty-two firefighters have gone down to injury on the SHU-Lightning Complex in Shasta & Trinity Counties. The combined fires in the complex have burned 57,000 acres and have been burning since June 21. many of the firefighter injuries are heat related. Temperatures east of Redding reached 105 degrees + yesterday and will top that today.
Trust me it takes a lot to take a firefighter off the line. Thirty two injuries in two weeks on one fire is an ominous symptom. One firefighter in Mendocino already died in the line of duty this year and we don't want another.
The life and future health of one firefighter is worth more than any structure anywhere.
Last week Basin Complex Fire commander Deitrich ordered a stand down. Firefighters were instructed to halt work for part of the day to review safety procedures.
It might be time for a Statewide safety stand down as well.
The commander of the SHU-Lightning Complex is looking after his guys. Here are some exerpts from his report this morning;
"Immediate structure threats are in effect for the Iron Mtn. Road and Zogg Mine Road areas. Firefighter safety and public safety will be priorities. All fires on the Complex are staffed at minimal levels. Burning conditions are at extreme levels."
Fire Commander Kerschen stands up for his guys and gals here;
"Injuries during this reporting period are directly related to heat illnesses. Lack of resources, triple digit temperatures and RH values in the teens are causing firefighter fatigue at critical levels."
What else can he do?
Firefighter Blog-
Fire commanders have consistently called for additional men and equipment to fight their fires but the help is not there. I've written about the continuous calls for resources by the Piute Fire command. Similar requests are being made by fire commanders statewide. Now we are seeing signs firefighters are bending under the endless hours on the fire lines.
Thirty-two firefighters have gone down to injury on the SHU-Lightning Complex in Shasta & Trinity Counties. The combined fires in the complex have burned 57,000 acres and have been burning since June 21. many of the firefighter injuries are heat related. Temperatures east of Redding reached 105 degrees + yesterday and will top that today.
Trust me it takes a lot to take a firefighter off the line. Thirty two injuries in two weeks on one fire is an ominous symptom. One firefighter in Mendocino already died in the line of duty this year and we don't want another.
The life and future health of one firefighter is worth more than any structure anywhere.
Last week Basin Complex Fire commander Deitrich ordered a stand down. Firefighters were instructed to halt work for part of the day to review safety procedures.
It might be time for a Statewide safety stand down as well.
The commander of the SHU-Lightning Complex is looking after his guys. Here are some exerpts from his report this morning;
"Immediate structure threats are in effect for the Iron Mtn. Road and Zogg Mine Road areas. Firefighter safety and public safety will be priorities. All fires on the Complex are staffed at minimal levels. Burning conditions are at extreme levels."
Fire Commander Kerschen stands up for his guys and gals here;
"Injuries during this reporting period are directly related to heat illnesses. Lack of resources, triple digit temperatures and RH values in the teens are causing firefighter fatigue at critical levels."
What else can he do?
Firefighter Blog-
Labels: 2008 Fire Season, California Firestorm 2008
Comments:
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This is really interesting information. I stumbled across your blog when I searched for a satellite image of the 2008 fires. Thanks and keep up the good work. I will link to your site on my personal blog.
You firefighters are very brave and valiant. I am glad to be reminded that Basin Complex Fire commander Deitrich ordered a stand down last week, so firefighters could halt work to review safety procedures. Every one of your lives is so much more important than a piece of property. Thanks for your arduous work.
Ariadne
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Ariadne
# posted by 
: July 08, 2008 7:32 PM
: July 08, 2008 7:32 PM<< Home
