L A F D
VALLEY VALLEYView View
Issue 4
Operations Valley Bureau
Sept/Oct 2015
PREPARING FOR EL NIÑO By Deputy Chief Daryl Arbuthnott
BUREAU COMMANDER Deputy Chief Daryl Arbuthnott ASSISTANT BUREAU COMMANDERS
When you think of the fire department, you naturally think of fire but we also prepare for other environmental emergencies as well. Every few years, winds shift in the Pacific Ocean along the equator, warming the water more than usual. These “El Niño” events trigger changing weather patterns globally and can increase chances of heavy rain and snow pelting California. Forecasters are predicting this year’s El Niño as the second strongest on record for this time of year, and it has the potential to be the most potent weather changer in 65 years. In 1995, the dry conditions prior to El Niño’s arrival created the perfect conditions for flooding, mudslides and flash floods—very similar to the heat wave we experienced this summer. Some are speculating that our region’s next El Niño may already be here—and when you talk to experts you will hear that the weather phenomenon sports a dual personality. El Niño may bring much-needed drought relief to our state, but it also brings torrential rains which can create disastrous flooding and mudslides. Please remember that floods are dangerous and should be taken seriously. Flooding can occur quickly in the mountain passes and valleys, and mudslides are common on hillsides with very little vegetation.
Assistant Chief Trevor Richmond Andrew Fox Emile Mack Gregory Reynar TRAINING OFFICER Captain II Richard Fields EMS OFFICER Captain I Danny Wu OFFICE 4960 Balboa Blvd. Encino, CA 91316 818-728-9921 818-728-9931 Fax
Email:
lafd.valleybureau @lacity.org
(See El Niño continued on page 2)
DRONES AFFECT EMERGENCY OPERATIONS Drones, or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as the Federal Aviation Administration labels them, are becoming more popular these days. These little aircraft are fun to fly and allow hobbyists the ability to see incredible sites. However they also can pose a flight hazard, so hobbyists need to know and follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules when operating these little flying machines.
fire suppression as well as commercial aircraft in their approach to their respective airports. Fire departments across California have been forced to stop or postpone critical air drops on fires, severely hampering fire suppression efforts. Likewise, when a UAS is identified in an LAFD brushfire incident, all helicopters in the area need to be grounded— resulting in a complete loss of valuable water dropping resources and severly hampering fire suppression efforts. Please be aware of your surroundings if you fly a UAS, and educate others about their impact during emergency operations.
UAS are considered “mechanized” equipment and consequently cannot fly over, take off from, or land in, congressionally designated Wilderness Areas. They are not permitted to fly in areas that have “Temporary Flight Restrictions” in place, such as wildfires. The FAA has authority over all airspace. Ensure that you comply with all FAA regulations and Recent reports have documented UAS being guidance for flying UAS by checking online at: operated over wildfires, thereby interfering with www.faa.gov/uas
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