Editorial: Up Close & Personal

In this issue, we present Part 1 of an extensive look at some of the operations that took place during last year’s firestorm that ravaged parts of Southern California. We’ve compiled personal observations from a wide variety of fire service personnel who operated in different capacities at many of these incidents. We interviewed strike team leaders, a camp crew superintendent, air operations supervisors, incident commanders, plans chiefs, dispatchers, structure protection group supervisors and many more. Many called it a career fire, but from what we are hearing from the West Coast this year, if conditions are right, the same or worse may be expected to occur.

Here are some amazing statistics from the 14 fires: 81 helicopters, 55 fixed-wing aircraft, 1,716 engines, 14,027 personnel and 750,043 acres burned. Among the unsung heroes of the fires were the aircraft and apparatus mechanics, aircraft and helicopter pilots and sheriffs’ deputies who helped evacuate residents. We appreciate all of the personnel, too many to mention, from the many fire departments who worked with us to present their personal reflections of the firestorms. Without their cooperation, descriptions, tours and fire service spirit, the overview would have not been possible. Also risking their lives to bring us unbelievable images from the firestorms are the contributing photographers who send us their pictures on a regular basis. Their excellent photos show conditions the way it is. We also thank Deputy Director Jim Wright, CDF-Sacramento, for his assistance and Dore Davis Design for the use of the charts and maps. See our coverage beginning on page 50.

In another natural disaster, we understand that firefighters lost their homes and several fire stations were destroyed by the wrath of Hurricane Charley in portions of Florida. We can only imagine the destruction from watching TV coverage and seeing newspaper photos. Several urban search and rescue teams were put on standby and some were dispatched to assist in searches for trapped and injured civilians. With USAR teams on standby for the political conventions, individual departments adding their own USAR capabilities and the constant threat of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, this has been a fast-growing and needed area of the fire service. Many portions of the country have been active following flash floods after severe summer storms. It seems like there is more rain dropped in one East Coast storm than the entire annual rain totals for much of the West Coast. If only there was a way to channel that water for use in firefighting where needed…

Congratulations to good friend John W. Norman III, who was recently promoted to deputy assistant chief and designated chief in charge of the Special Operations Command of the FDNY.

You may have read about the recent death of Paul N. “Red” Adair. Adair, who died at age 89, is credited with battling more than 2,000 land and offshore oil well fires. He began his company in 1959 and retired in 1994. His teams were among 27 from 16 countries that spent eight months capping 732 Kuwaiti wells after they were set ablaze following the Persian Gulf War in 1991. John Wayne portrayed Adair in the 1968 movie “The Hellfighters.”

We would like to announce that Henry Dinneen is the new publisher of Firehouse® Magazine. Dinneen has spent many years in fire service publications. We welcome him aboard.

Sept. 11, 2004, is rapidly approaching. Many are still trying to forget the pain and suffering. For others, it marks a time to celebrate the lives that were lost that day. Whatever you do in your individual way or as a department, just note the sacrifice of the rescue workers. Never forget.