[californiadisasters] LAFD Unveiled It's Preparation for Brush Season/Asks You a Question

Dear Friend of the Los Angeles Fire Department,

On Friday September 23, News Media gathered together at Chatsworth Reservoir where Fire Chief Brian Cummings presented the resources that the City of Los Angeles has available to combat the threat of this years' Brush Fire season.

The location was at one of LA's 32 helispots, which provided a beautiful backdrop of brush covered rugged terrain, steep canyons and rolling hills that reminded those present just how vulnerable southern California is to a major brush fire. The purpose of this meeting was two-fold...

First, to reassure YOU that LAFD is prepared for this years' brush season.



On display was two of the City's six helicopters that make up LAFD's prestigious air fleet. Five of those air ships are capable of dropping hundreds of gallons of water, and the other is used as a Command ship, strategically placed to direct these precise water drops.

In addition the LAFD utilizes an Erickson Air-Crane which is a wildfire heavy-lift helicopter capable of providing superior aerial fire suppression services during the peak of our brush fire season, and is available this year from August 15 through January 2012.

Available to meet first hand, were the hard working and cost effective Crew 3, whom is comprised of LAFD Cadets. These volunteers dedicate themselves to clearing brush from hillsides and fire roads along with creating fire breaks throughout the city.

Also present was one of LAFD's three bulldozers, a LAFD Dozer Transport, and a LAFD water tender. This Heavy Equipment is used to cut brush along the tops of LA's many ridges and hillsides. They create fire breaks and directly attack the fire by smothering its progression.

However it is not just about the equipment. It's the uniformed firefighters from your 106 neighborhood fire stations that make you safe. They constantly train and prepare themselves for the many emergencies they face, including the threat of a major brush fire.

The Second purpose of this gathering was to ask a question... Just how ready are YOU?

The LAFD promotes the Ready, Set, Go preparedness campaign, and asks you to:

• Be Ready: Prepare your property. Cut back the ornamental brush around your home and allow 200 feet of clearance.
• Get Set: Prepare your family. Have a plan for what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Go: Be ready to go when you are told to evacuate. Once you leave, stay away until uniformed personnel say it is safe to return.

Chief Cummings stated, "I challenge every resident of Los Angeles to have an emergency plan, and to discuss the plan with each member of your family. This is especially important for those residents who live in or nearby brush areas."



The Los Angeles Fire Department wants to reassure you that they are prepared. It is now up to you to prepare yourself, your family and your home.

Ready, Set, Go

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
200 N. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 485-5162

Emergency Public Information (EPI) Center

"Serving with Courage, Integrity and Pride"

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