LAFD Augments Staffing Due to Wildfire Danger

With seasonal winds and low relative humidity in Los Angeles on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, the Los Angeles Fire Department will augment staffing and pre-deploy firefighting resources due to heightened wildfire danger, according to a statement from LAFD.

The plan authorized by Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas, will include the temporary staffing and dynamic deployment of 11 extra Engines from fire stations in Lincoln Heights, Central City East, Echo Park, Palms, Pacific Palisades, Reseda, Tujunga, Mission Hills, North Hollywood and Chatsworth.

In addition, 10 regularly staffed LAFD Engines from areas with historically low wildfire danger will be pre-deployed in a pair of highly mobile Strike Teams in the central San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills, while a trio of other Engines will be sent to stations in Bel Air, Sylmar and West Hills.

To assure a rapid and effective response to any wildfire in the region, LAFD will fully staff a firefighting Bulldozer team as well as a five-piece Brush Patrol Strike Team of four-wheel-drive firefighting vehicles at the southern rim of the San Fernando Valley, and keep a pair of 2500-gallon water tenders ready at stations in Sun Valley and Sherman Oaks.   

To oversee and coordinate these and other resources, the Department is deploying a trio of additional Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams. Firefighters certified in command support operations will accompany these and all field Chief Officers on Thursday, while LAFD Air Operations will be bolstered with an additional Pilot, Helicopter Coordinator and two Helitac certified Firefighters. 

Despite a significant increase in wildfire danger, the City of Los Angeles has not yet declared a need for Red Flag Alert Parking Restrictions on Thursday in the City of Los Angeles. 

Crews at fire stations across the City will continue their commitment to neighborhood emergencies, while staying prepared and equipped for the unique challenge of battling wind-driven wildfire. With that in mind, the men and women of the LAFD ask you to be firewise in all that you do, and to report any smoke or fire immediately to 9-1-1.