Third Quarter (July-September) 2016

We fulfill our mission by living our core values: rofessionalism espect mage iscipline fficiency

Welcome to the third quarter newsletter from Humboldt Bay Fire. It is amazing how quickly we moved through the summer, and are now in the fall season with rain on the horizon and cooler temperatures on the way. I am happy to say that beginning July 1st we were able to again open Fire Station 4, at Myrtle Avenue and Cousins Street, on a full time basis. The station will be staffed either with a squad with two people, or an engine with three people, depending upon available staffing.

The summer and fall months between July and October are typically the months where California experiences some of its most devastating wildfire activity, and 2016 has held true. Though much of California experienced significant rains during the spring, the summer presented many challenges. Fire season started in June in southern California, and then marched north. The winter and spring rains added significantly to the grass crop across the state, adding fuel to an already critical situation created by multiple years of drought, coupled with a significant tree bug-kill situation across the Sierras and Southern California. It is estimated that there are approximately 66 million dead trees in California that provide an immense amount of fuel for wildfires.

Humboldt Bay Fire assisted initially by providing a wildland engine and crew to help CALFIRE cover local fire stations in the Humboldt/Del Norte ranger unit. On July 24th, the Soberanes Fire began in the Big Sur area. Two engines and two strike team leaders from Humboldt Bay Fire, along with engines from Fortuna Fire, Blue Lake Fire and Briceland Fire answered the call and were sent south to assist with the suppression efforts. It was 21 days before that strike team returned home. Crews assisted with protection of homes in the area, constructed fire control lines, and “mopped up” fire areas to make sure all active and smoldering fire was extinguished. The Soberanes Fire is still burning today, and has become the most costly fire to suppress in history. Following the return of those units, Humboldt Bay Fire again answered the call to assist CALFIRE with local station coverage when they sent units out of the area for other fires. Our coverage unit was part of the initial attack crew that responded to the Tully Fire in the Pecwan area in August that burned almost 600 acres. Due to full commitment of available resources in the CALFIRE stations, Humboldt Bay Fire provided a second engine to help cover. This unit was one of only two local government engines covering CALFIRE stations the first night of the Tully Fire as CALFIRE moved out of area crews into Humboldt. During August, our area was registering fuel moistures (the moisture content present in various fuels including grasses, stick, and log sized fuels) that were typically observed in a dry October. This meant that fire danger and conditions were very high and dangerous.

On September 11th, members of Humboldt Bay Fire participated in 9-11 memorial stair climbs in Sacramento and San Diego. Personnel did this on their own, at their own cost. The stair climbs represent and pay tribute to, the fallen 343 FDNY firefighters lost at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Each member participating carried the name and information about one of the firefighters who perished that day. Thank you all for your participation, and we must make sure that we never forget…

As we closed out September, Humboldt Bay Fire was still providing station coverage assisting CALFIRE. I want to say thank you to all members of our department at all levels who assisted with these wildland assignments, either out on the assignment, or maintaining coverage back at home keeping our stations staffed. I recognize the impact to our personnel and their families, but am proud that we can help out our neighbors in times of need. Fall rains are forecast for the beginning of October, but that does not spell the end of fire season in California. October is typically one of the worst months for fire loss, as we normally see the Santa Ana winds develop and extend into November. We all need to be mindful and safe and remember that fire season has not ended yet. With fall rapidly approaching and cooler nighttime temperatures here, we remind our community to be safe with the use of heaters and wood stoves. Humboldt Bay Fire responds each year to fires that result from chairs, sofas, and other combustibles too close to heaters or stoves, and from items being placed on floor furnaces or heaters. These items are often placed there in the summer when the heater isn’t running, and can easily be forgotten in the fall. A thermostat turned all the way down does not necessarily turn the heating device off; it still comes on when the temperature drops low enough. With fall also come wet roads, and the need for all of us to slow down and drive for the conditions.

Before I close, I want to remind everyone that Humboldt Bay Fire will be hosting our Open House on Saturday, October 15th at Fire Station 1, 533 C Street in Eureka. We will be open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and will have station tours, various safety displays, and demonstrations of our 1904 steam fire engine, Tiller ladder truck, and vehicle extrication. Hope to see you there!

I will close my message on a somber note. Late September saw the loss of a local Fire Captain, Tim Smith, of Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department. Captain Smith is a huge loss to Fortuna Fire and the members of their community, and a loss for the local fire service. Captain Smith was a regular participant on wildland strike teams, and had participated in last year’s Valley Fire in Lake County, and this year’s Soberanes Fire in Big Sur. Captain Smith also was part of the response team to Eureka for the Fourth Street Fire on the morning of June 3rd, 2016. Captain Smith, his family, and Fortuna Fire are in the thoughts of the men and women of Humboldt Bay Fire.

Bill Gillespie

Fire Chief

Response Statistics

Structure Fire/Explosion 16

Vehicle Fire 5

Rubbish/ Vegetation Fire 68

Medical Aid Response 859

Extrication/Water Rescue 6

Animal Control 0

Haz Mat/Combustible Spill 20

Other Hazards Response 14

Other/Service Call/False Alarm 541

Second Quarter Total 1,529

2016 YTD Total 4,685

Hello, my name is Sean Robertson. I was born and raised in South Africa where my family has lived for many generations. I moved to California twenty years ago to follow my wife Rebecca, whom I’ve been married to since then! She is from the Bay Area. We moved to Arcata to attend HSU and I joined the Arcata Volunteer Fire Department. After my first structure fire I decided this was the career for me! Over a year’s time I received my EMT and Firefighter 1 certificates while going to school full-time. Eureka Fire was hiring and I decided to apply with no expectation of it going anywhere. I had a seasonal job with Cal Fire, which was called CDF at the time. While at work one day I received a call from Eureka Fire Marshal Altizer at the Fortuna Forestry Station inviting me to an interview with Eureka. After the interview I was very surprised to be given a conditional offer of employment. It was quite a journey to become a Eureka Fireman!!

That was in 1998 and it is incredible to think I have been with this organization for almost 20 years. During that time I have held the ranks of Engineer, Captain, Captain II and Battalion Chief. I have been the Training Officer for the last 4 years and became the A-shift BC this year. As the Training Officer and a shift Battalion Chief I am responsible for all aspects of development, management and instruction of the training program and also conduct and facilitate department-related leadership development for our Command staff. I am also responsible for all recruitment, hiring and promotional testing and processes; and oversee our Volunteer Firefighter Program and Wellness Program. This is in addition to the usual shift BC tasks of staffing, incident response, logistics, leadership and maintenance of operations. Work is very busy for me but I love the challenge and ability to serve our members and community.

I am a member of the Haz Mat Response Team, an instructor for various classes and programs in the county and the Secretary of the Humboldt County Training Instructors Association.

I love living in Humboldt and spend much of my time off exploring it by bicycle. I have two teenage sons who are growing up too quickly and enjoy living in our beautiful area, riding

Come join us for a lot of fun at our annual Open House, Saturday, October 15th from 10 – 3 at our HBF Fire Station 1 located at 533 C Street.

Watch firefighters fire up the 1904 steam fire engine, perform rescue demonstrations, and much more. Tour the station and learn important life saving fire prevention tips! Enjoy interactive activities, FREE raffles, refreshments and a chance to hang out with HBF Firefighters!

Hope to see you on the 15th! Remember, smoke alarms save lives; be sure to replace your battery to keep your family protected! As our student athletes return to the field, Humboldt Bay Fire personnel are hopeful that they have a safe school year with a winning season and no injuries. That being said, this triggered a discussion between fire personnel who respond to medical emergencies and a local athletic trainer familiar with the concussion protocols that are at the forefront of health for all of our athletes. This month’s Humboldt Bay Fire submittal is for the safety of our kids in the extracurricular sports. Thank you Michele Schneider for your work in this field.

On the heels of an inspiring Olympic Summer, athletes of all ages are gearing up with their own competitive spirit. As they prepare for athletic success, it is my job as the certified athletic trainer to prepare for any injury that may occur. While it is important to care for all injuries, concussions can be especially tricky as each incident is different and unique to the individual experiencing it. In an effort to help recognize and manage concussions in our community, let’s look at a few important details.

What is a concussion? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines concussion as, “ a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.” They go on to mention that TBI’s can also occur with any contact to the body that causes the brain to “bounce or twist” within the skull. NO DIRECT HEAD CONTACT IS NECESSARY.

How do I know if someone has a concussion? Concussion is determined through a series of conversations and tests. Computer and imaging tests may not be available to everyone, but you can observe and ask questions. However, it is always best to refer to an appropriate healthcare professional for a full evaluation.

Common signs and symptoms to look for include:

SIGNS (OBSERVED BY OTHERS) SYMPTOMS (REPORTED BY ATHLETE)

Dazed or confused Headache or “pressure”

Memory issues Sees stars, blurred or double vision

Slow or slurred speech Dizziness, nausea or vomiting

Balance issues Sensitivity to light or sound

Mood and personality changes Problems concentrating, feels confused

Changes in mental state Memory issues

Loss of consciousness Feeling tired, “foggy,” or “not right”

What should I do if I think someone has a concussion? If an athlete shows signs of a possible concussion:

Remove the athlete from activity, report the incident, and follow protocol. An athlete should never participate with symptoms.

Have the athlete evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional, following the laws of the state and/or governing organization. California law and CIF require final clearance by a physician (MD or DO) for high school athletes.

If any severe signs and symptoms are present, emergency care should be provided. This could include calling EMS (Emergency Medical Services). Specific symptoms to watch may include (but are not limited to): Any loss of consciousness, disorientation, uneven pupil size, slurred speech, seizures, disruption in normal breathing patterns, repeated vomiting, increased moodiness or unusual behavior.

NOTE: Return to play should be a gradual process, monitored by a healthcare professional. A cognitive computer test may also be part of concussion clearance protocol when available.

What can I do to prevent concussions? The first thing, is to check that your equipment is appropriate, fits properly, and is in working order. This includes helmets, pads, tools, and even footwear. Second, check your environment. Are there holes to step in, objects to trip over, water to slip on? Are you playing on hard surfaces? Are poles covered with padding? Minimize the risks. Third, listen to instruction and follow the rules. Trained coaches and safety rules are there to keep athletes safe. Finally, report symptoms ASAP. Concussions are not an injury you can “walk off” or ignore.

Are concussions really that serious? Yes, they can be. The effects of concussions range from mild, to catastrophic. The CDC reports that people who have sustained one concussion are more at risk for another. In addition, those who have sustained multiple concussions may have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or other conditions associated with aging, earlier in life.

There is a special concern for younger athletes, as they have an increased risk for second impact syndrome. Second Impact syndrome occurs when someone suffers another head injury without fully recovering from the first. Often times the symptoms are much more severe, including the possibility of coma or death.

Another concern is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). CTE exhibits similar signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, though the individuals are much younger than the typical onset. CTE was highlighted in the movie Concussion, and discovered while studying the brain of a deceased former NFL player. Science surrounding CTE is still developing, though it is a concern with athletes who have a history of contact sports and/ or concussions.

Do concussions only occur in football? No. Athletes of any sport or activity can get a concussion. In fact, you don’t even have to play a sport to get a concussion. However, contact and collision sports have a higher risk of sustaining a concussion. While the media often highlights football when talking about concussions, it is important to recognize that many activities have a risk for concussion, including (but not limited to): Soccer, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, basketball, BMX, motocross, and cheerleading.

For more information regarding concussions, check out:

 Center for Disease control, HEADS UP program

 National Athletic Trainer’s Association

 California Interscholastic Federation

Michele Schneider, MA, ATC

Certified Athletic Trainer Meet Jen! A 5-year dispatcher for Eureka Police Department and Humboldt Bay Fire Department.

Jen was born in Barstow, California, however, has spent the majority of her life here in Eureka. Jen comes from a long line of Public Safety employees with her grandfather being a fireman, her father a CHP officer, and her husband a former police officer. One of Jen’s fondest memories is hearing the story of how her mom went into labor with her while at home in Barstow. Due to Jen’s eagerness to enter the world, she was delivered at home by her father. Her baby pillow reads, “Born at Figas Hospital.”

Ironically, one of Jen’s most memorable moments as a dispatcher was last year when she was able to assist and aid in the delivery of a baby. She received a 911 call from the father who said that they were on their way to the hospital but weren’t going to make it in time and had pulled over to the side of the road. Jen worked diligently on the phone at providing child birth instructions to the father. Fire personnel arrived and were there for the delivery while Jen remained on the phone hearing the baby’s first cries. This is a moment that she holds near and dear to her heart.

When asked what her favorite part about being a dispatcher was, using her well-known jovial wit, she said “telling the officers and firemen what to do”. All kidding aside, she said that her favorite part about the job is that there is something new every day. You never know walking in what the shift will bring and who you’ll be able to help. Even on bad days, you go home every day knowing that you made a difference. She loves working here and we love her!

Jen is an exemplary dispatcher and a huge asset to the Eureka Police Department and Humboldt Bay Fire Department! She is liked by all and is known for her wit, outgoing personality, generosity, and heart of gold. She became a CTO (Communications Training Officer) two years ago where she trains new dispatchers. She’s been commended for her exceptional customer service and crucial role in life-saving calls.

In her free time she enjoys watching her three daughters play sports, spending time with family and friends and of course, spa days!

Bark in the Park will be October 22nd 2016.

Proceeds from this years event will benefit Friends for Life Animal Rescue.

For more information please call (707) 441-4000 Recently the North Coast experienced a few “minor shakers” that you may or may not have felt. We’ve been fortunate over the last few years to not have experienced a damaging earthquake. However, that increases the probability of a damaging seismic occurring in the near future. Humboldt th Bay Fire wants to encourage everyone to participate on October 20 at 10:20 a.m. in “The Great Shake Out”. This is a statewide drill intended to increase awareness and improve preparedness for the next great earthquake we will experience. This is the single largest earthquake drill in California. You can register to participate in the drill at http:// www.shakeout.org/california/register/.

What is the first step of being prepared for an earthquake? We know that there will be another major earthquake at some point and the best thing to do is prepare with a plan. Having a plan will reduce stress during the event, help make you safer during the event, and hasten your recovery following an earthquake.

“The Plan” should include the following:

 Make your home safe. Strap down items that can tip over, i.e. water heater, entertainment centers, bookshelves, and other large furnishings. Establish all the possible ways to exit your house and keep them clear. At least a three day supply (week supply recommended) of food water, clothes, medical supplies, and other necessary equipment for everyone in the family.

 Decide where and when to reunite your family should you be apart when the earthquake happens.  Choose a contact outside the immediate area to contact if family members are separated. Long distance service will probably be restored sooner than local. Do not use the phone immediately following the earthquake.  Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend.

 If you have a family member who does not speak English, prepare an emergency card written in English indicating that person’s identification, address, and any special needs. Have them carry the card with them.  Conduct Earthquake Drills such as participating in “The Great Shakeout” with Duck, Cover, and Hold drills. Know the safest place in your home.  Locate shutoff valves for water, gas and electricity. Know how to shut them off.

 Make copies of vital records and keep them in a safe deposit box. Make sure the originals are stored safely. Take photos/videos of your valuables. Keep extra cash and change. ATM’s may not work.  Before a quake, have knowledge of the locations of your local shelters and emergency medical centers. Contact your local Red Cross Chapter and Office of Emergency Services to obtain this information. Know the locations of your nearest fire and police stations.

In the event of a major earthquake here in Humboldt County, we need to work together and be self-sufficient. We have a beautiful area that we live in but with that beauty comes seclusion. Emergency Services will be busy and may not be able to respond to your location right away due to infrastructure damage, lack of resources, or other emergencies. It’s imperative that we work with our neighbors, have a plan and help each other. For other information for emergency preparedness, please visit the following web sites:

 http://www.calema.ca.gov

 http://www.fema.gov/earthquake

 http://www.redcross.org/prepare http://www.fema.gov/earthquake http://www.redcross.org/prre

Humboldt Bay Fire has been busy this summer with wildland fires. Not only have there been a number of vegetation fires within our own area, but we have sent two of our engines and Strike Team Leaders to aid in some of the larger, high profile fires elsewhere in the state.

Locally we have seen an increase in vegetation fires with the largest fires occurring along the waterfront grasses and in the greenbelts. A number of those incidents had fire behavior that would be expected inland, but is occurring here with the dry fuel beds. The largest fire occurred at the foot of T Street and totaled just over three acres by the time it was completely extinguished.

On July 22nd the “Soberanes Fire” in Monterey County erupted and Humboldt Bay Fire was requested to respond to the incident. Two Battalion Chiefs from Humboldt Bay Fire responded, leading two Humboldt Bay Fire engines with six personnel, as well as three other Humboldt County fire agency engines to the blaze. The Humboldt Bay Fire resources remained committed to the incident through August 14th. Humboldt Bay Fire personnel were involved with structure protection, construction of containment and control lines, extinguishment and mop up of areas. The fire is now nearly 90,000 acres with about 60% containment.

While the Humboldt Bay Fire resources were fighting the fire in Southern California, many other HBF personnel covered the stations here at home for as many as five 24- hour days straight before they were relieved. Once our personnel and resources returned from the “Soberanes Fire” they returned to their normal shifts until the next mutual aid request.

In addition to the “Soberanes Fire”, our personnel have also staffed our two four-wheel drive wildland engines and covered the Humboldt Cal-Fire stations while their resources were committed to other incidents and operational areas throughout the state. At the time of this article, the two Humboldt Bay Fire wildland engines were committed to Cal Fire for coverage and fighting the “Tully” incident in Weitchpec.

As we progress through the fire season, Humboldt Bay Fire wants everyone to recognize that this fire season is shaping up to be a busy one. Fuel moistures are consistent with what is found at the end of the fire season. This means larger fires can spread through the fuels much faster. Please use caution when engaged in activities that could lead to a vegetation fire, such as using barbecues, riding off-road vehicles and even utilizing lawn care equipment. Every resource that is committed away from our home unit, puts additional strain on the local resources. Although we are able to cover all of our stations, it leaves us short on larger incidents or multiple incidents at the same time. Please be safe. Trick Or Treat…Let’s Have Some Fun!!!!

Humboldt Bay Fire loves the holidays.

Here’s a treat from us to you… a few safety tips for Halloween Safety. Let’s make it a safe and fun day by;

 Making sure your decorations and costumes are fire retardant protected,  Use battery operated lights to illuminate your pumpkins,  Trick or treating while it’s still light outside,  Wearing a costume that is easy to walk in, does not impair your vision, and has light colors or reflective tape on it so drivers can see you.  Also, trick or treat in well lighted areas and only cross at corners and never between parked cars. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.  For the kids out there, always have an adult with you.  Wait until you get home to sort and check your treats and NEVER eat unwrapped or homemade treats.

Have a Happy Halloween!!!

www.HBFire.org www.facebook.com/humboldtbayfire #humboldtbayfire @HumboldtBayFD As we enter the final months of summer, many of us have children or family members that are going off to college. Some of those students will choose to live on campus in dormitories or campus apartments, but many will elect to live off-campus. Humboldt Bay Fire wants your child or family member to have a safe collegiate career. Since 2000, 85% of college-related fire fatalities have happened in off-campus housing, where most students live. When looking for an off-campus residence, Humboldt Bay Fire would like you to consider these safety items:

Smoke Alarms  Are there smoke alarms in every bedroom, on every level of the building?  In most fatal fires, the smoke alarms are missing or disabled. Often, a reason for this is nuisance alarms caused by cooking. Photoelectric smoke alarms near the kitchen can help cut down on this.  What kind of smoke alarms do you have?

Exits  Are there two ways out of every bedroom? Keep in mind the second way out may be a window.  If a window is the second way out, does it open? Is it blocked by anything? Can you climb out of it?  Are there security bars on the window?

If the bedroom is on a second or third floor, do you have an escape ladder? These can be purchased online or in a home improvement store.

Is there a second way out of the house or unit?  Every apartment must have two ways out.  Is the second way out blocked by storage in the stairs such as bicycles or trash cans? Is the snow removed from the door and steps so you can get away from the building?

Fire Causes  The leading cause of all home fires is cooking.  What condition is the stove in?

What about the electrical service?  Are there enough outlets to handle today's electrical needs?

What about smoking? The leading cause of all fatal home fires is smoking, and a contributing factor in college-related fires is fires that start in upholstered furniture on porches and decks. There is a lot more to consider when looking for fire-safe housing, this is not a complete list. For more information on campus fire safety, visit:

Campus Firewatch (www.campus-firewatch.com) U.S. Fire Administration (www.ufsa.fema.gov) National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.com)

If you have questions, please contact Humboldt Bay Fire at (707) 441-4000. At this time of year, as the nights start to get cold, it is not uncommon for heater and furnace related fire incidents to occur. It is important for people to be aware that heating equipment may operate automatically.

Often occupants think a furnace was turned off because they have adjusted the thermostat to the lowest setting. This does not turn the furnace off; rather the furnace is set to a low temperature setting. When the temperature gets cold, the furnace activates.

Your firefighters remind you to be cautious when using any type of heating appliance, and to recognize the features of thermostat controlled furnaces.

Some safety tips that apply to all types of heating appliances:

 Do not place coverings over floor furnaces.

 Move combustibles away from floor and wall furnaces. This includes furniture.

 Have your furnace cleaned and serviced to ensure safe and efficient operation.

 Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace or heater; if the wall is hot to the touch or discolored, discontinue use immediately, and have the appliance checked.

 If you heat with wood, move combustibles at least 36” away from the stove or fireplace. Again, this applies to furniture as well.

 Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house or other buildings.

Have your stove pipe, chimney, or flue cleaned and inspected prior to use.

Humboldt Bay Fire is hoping to avoid furnace, heater, and woodstove fires by reminding our community of these steps to help make the use of such appliances safe.

Anniversaries

Captain Jim Andresen 29 yrs (July)

Battalion Chief Kent Hulbert 20 yrs (July)

Engineer Jeff Broberg, 20 yrs (August)

Captain Carl Gossien, 19 yrs (September)

Battalion Chief Sean Robertson, 18yrs (August)

Battalion Chief Ed Laidlaw, 17 yrs (August)

Captain Brooks Conner, 14yrs (August)

Captain Chris Mitchell, 14 yrs (August)

Engineer Kevin Voorhees, 14 yrs (August)

Engineer Matt McFarland, 14 yrs (August)

Engineer Andrew Hawkins, 9 yrs (September)

Fire Inspector Bill Walser, 8 yrs (September)

Engineer Kris Kalman, 7 yrs (September)

Engineer Arly Allen, 7 yrs (September)

Firefighter Hank Stoffers. 7 yrs (September)

Administrative Assistant Ashleigh Jordan, 1 yr (July)

CPR and AED for Adults, Children, and Infants $30

October 11, 2016, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

CPR, AED, and First Aid for Adults $60

October 8, 2016, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.