Lab 7: Los Angeles, CA Station Fire

Reference Map:

Thematic Map:

Station Fire Research Report

     Lately wildfires have become an annual occurrence in the state of California, and all Californians are effected by them in some way and have learned to fear their destructive power. The Station Fire was no exception. This fire was a tragedy with lasting effects of the Los Angeles community. The fire was started by arsonist activities and eventually burned across 160,577 acres claiming 89 houses. 3 weeks before the blaze began, a memo was filled calling for cuts to spending on fire response assets. The Station fire serves as an example to why fire defense spending must not be cut, but rather increased in order to protect the lives and property of Californians.

     The flames threatened thousands of structures in the nearby cities of La Canada Flintridge, Glendale, Acton, La Crescenta, Littlerock, Altadena, Sunland, and Tujunga as seen on the above reference map. However, most of these areas were protected except for some homes lost in Tujunga. These victims demanded an investigation after the fact into why budgeting concerns existed and hindered the response of emergency personnel. It was found that some fire-fighting resources, such as a small helicopter, were withheld from the fight by the LA county fire department. Had the situation been different, these resources could have helped reduce the total structure damage of the fire.

     The Station fire also had serious effects on air quality in the surrounding area. Smoke advisories were published by The South Coast Air Quality Management District. A spokesman state that air quality in the foothill areas was potential. These areas are visible on the above themed map, illustrated by the digital elevation model data within a 10 mile buffer of the fire. Also, the school year was starting while the fire died down. The air quality prevented young students from being allowed to go outside during recess. The map clearly indicates many schools located within a 10 mile distance of the burn area. This area represents the likely highest concentration of smoke caused by the fire. The impact on the lives of school children only adds to the scope of the tragedy.

     By far the most tragic aspect of the Station Fire was the deaths of 2 brave firefighters. These men were honored by a memorial located at Dodger Stadium. 47-year-old Capt. Tedmund "Ted" Hall, and 35-year-old firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones lost their lives and each one left behind a family. The men were stationed at a backcountry camp for inmates training in environmentalism. The heroes had set out to search for a safe escape route for all those trapped inside the camp when their truck plunged 800 feet into a ravine. Vice President Joe Biden spoke at ceremonies honoring the bravery of these 2 men.

     In conclusion, the Station Fire is an example of well funded fire-fighting programs are important, especially during California's fire season. Evacuations, air quality, and firefighter deaths were the primary areas where the community was effected. Hopefully legislators will learn from these events and make the proper judgment calls in order to protect the property and lives of California's citizens.

 

Works Cited

Bloomekatz, Ari B. "Air Quality Back to Normal in L.A. Basin - Los Angeles Times." Featured Articles From The Los Angeles Times. 15 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010. .

"Firefighters Honor 2 Comrades Killed in 'Station Fire' - KTLA." Los Angeles News and Video for Southern California - KTLA.COM - KTLA 5 - KTLA. 4 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010. .

"InciWeb the Incident Information System: Station Fire News Release." InciWeb the Incident Information System: Current Incidents. 8 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010. .

Pringle, Paul. "Before the Station Fire, a Cost-cutting Memo - Los Angeles Times." Featured Articles From The Los Angeles Times. 2 Oct. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010. .

Song, Jason. "Another Wildfire Victim: Outdoor Recess - Los Angeles Times." Featured Articles From The Los Angeles Times. 4 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010. .

"Station Fire Over La Cañada Flintridge Threatens Thousands Of Homes - Cbs2.com." CBS 2 - KCAL 9 - Los Angeles - Southern California - LA Breaking News, Weather, Traffic, Sports - Cbs2.com. 30 Aug. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010. .