Firefighting

23 October 2007 -- Nearly a million people have fled their homes as more than a dozen fires continue to burn in Southern California. At least two people have died. President Bush will visit California Thursday. Fire has destroyed more than 1,000 homes in San Diego, and hundreds in other parts of the state.

High gusty winds and hot, dry weather are fanning the wildfires, which have broken out from the Mexican border to Santa Barbara, north of Los Angeles.    » read more »

October 23, 2007 -- The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of California and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area struck by wildfires beginning on October 21, 2007, and continuing.    » read more »

October 23, 2007 -- (Santa Fe, NM) – Today New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson ordered two strike teams consisting of 5 Type 1 fire engines per unit and 21 crew members per team to California to assist in structure protection. The teams are made up of fire departments from throughout New Mexico and are expected to depart Albuquerque by nightfall.    » read more »

Secures Additional Federal and State Assistance

10/22/2007 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today coordinated state, local and federal efforts to fight the devastating wildfires in Southern California and provide emergency services to displaced Californians.

“The devastation I witnessed today in Southern California was overwhelming. These devastating fires have taken a life and injured four firefighters. Maria and I extend our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of the victims,” said Governor Schwarzenegger.    » read more »

10/22/2007 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today sent the following letter to President Bush requesting direct federal assistance, debris removal and emergency protective measures, including: firefighting, evacuation operations, and sheltering of displaced people and animals for the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura due to the Southern California wildfires.

October 22, 2007

Via Nancy Ward

Regional Director

FEMA Region IX

1111 Broadway Street, Suite 1200

Oakland, California 95607    » read more »

10/22/2007 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger today directed inmate firefighters and staff from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to deploy across Southern California to work hand-in-hand with state and local firefighters. As of today, more than 2,300 CDCR inmates and more than 170 custody staff have joined firefighters from city and county fire departments and state agencies as part of a major coordinated effort to battle the widespread wildfires in Southern California.    » read more »

10/22/2007 -- Following a request California Governor Schwarzenegger made today to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the federal government has announced that six aircraft with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) units will be directed to assist in fighting the fires in Southern California.    » read more »

FDNY Marks 100th Year of Honoring Fallen Members at Firefighters Memorial Monument

October 10, 2007 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today honored Firefighters Daniel F. Pujdak, Robert Beddia and Joseph Graffagnino and seven other FDNY members who have died in the past year at the 100th Annual Memorial Service at the Firefighters Memorial Monument in Riverside Park in Manhattan.    » read more »

October 9, 2007 -- Washington, DC – In honor of National Fire Prevention Week, U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE), founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, commended the nation’s firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect our neighborhoods.    » read more »

12 Heroes Added to Firefighters Memorial Wall

October 9, 2007 -- New York Governor Eliot Spitzer today joined with state officials, firefighters and their families from across the state to honor New York heroes whose names were inscribed on the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall in Albany.

New York State holds an annual memorial ceremony to recognize firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

At this year’s ceremony the following 12 firefighters were honored:

2007 Lieutenant Theodore J. Abriel – Albany Fire Department    » read more »

10/09/2007 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of CAL FIRE Heavy Fire Equipment Operator (HFEO) Matthew Richard Will of Hollister:

“It is with great sorrow and deep sadness that Maria and I mourn the passing of Matthew Will. We join all Californians in expressing our sincere gratitude to Matthew for his faithful and dedicated service in protecting the citizens of this great state. Our hearts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and fellow firefighters as they grieve the loss of a brave public servant.”    » read more »

October 6, 2007 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today joined firefighters from across the state for Firefighter Recognition Day. The Governor said that firefighters are selfless public servants, guardians of our public health and safety.    » read more »

Funds To Help Firefighters, Police, First Responders Communicate During A Disaster

Oct. 4, 2007 -- HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced recommendations for more than $25 million in federal grants to help state and local first responders better communicate and coordinate with the public during natural or man-made disasters.

Governor Rendell said the recommendations are an integral part of allocating funding from the U.S. departments of Commerce and Homeland Security to Pennsylvania’s statewide plan for public safety interoperable communications.    » read more »

October 2, 2007 -- Minnesota Governor Pawlenty today signed an executive order making the Statewide Radio Board (SRB) the coordinating entity for Minnesota’s Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC). The SIEC’s mission is to develop a statewide plan to increase interoperability with public safety communications equipment.    » read more »

Grants will help local, state agencies enhance emergency communications capabilities with new equipment and training

October 2, 2007 -- SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency management agencies, public health departments and other public safety organizations to apply for funding the State of Illinois received from the National Telecommunications and Information System (NTIA) to help them improve interoperable communications.    » read more »