Carbon Monoxide Law Takes Effect Today!

Beginning today July 1, 2011, new legislation goes into effect that requires homeowners to install carbon monoxide detectors in every California home; a move CAL FIRE officials say will save lives. Acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover says "carbon monoxide is a silent killer, each year claiming the lives of an average of 480 people and sending more than 20,000 people to emergency rooms across the nation".

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced from heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and many types of appliances and cooking devices. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. In the past, some people have used things to heat homes or rooms and sadly, deaths have occurred from the carbon monoxide. "Having a CO detector is a small investment that really can help save your life and the lives of your family" said San Bernardino Unit Chief Tim McClelland.

It is important that you know the symptoms of CO poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.

Though previous laws only required newly-constructed homes to have CO alarms, the state's new Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill 183) requires owners of all existing single-family homes with an attached garage or fossil fuel source to install CO alarm devices within the home by July 1, 2011. Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, have until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law.

For additional information on how to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning visit the CAL FIRE website at http://www.fire.ca.gov/

CAL FIRE Suspends Burning Permits

CAL FIRE is suspending burning permits on ALL STATE RESPONSIBILITY LANDS WITHIN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. This is being done because of the extreme potential for wildland fire. The burn suspension was effective as of 6:00 A.M. this morning, July 1, 2011 in accordance with Section 4423.1 of the California Public Resources Code. The suspension is effective except in incorporated cities. Additionally, the use of campfires is restricted to campfire facilities located within established campgrounds that are open to the public.

Tim McClelland, CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit Chief says "the large grass crop across the wildland areas of southern California have dried out and can be ignited very easily. By taking this step, we hope to reduce the accidental fire starts that can threaten life and property within San Bernardino County."

We have already witnessed active burning conditions on several wildland fires within San Bernardino County. The high desert area is currently experiencing extreme burning conditions. Homeowner's responsibility is the key to fire safety. Following the law and having their 100 feet of defensible space (or to the property line) is a great first step in hardening their homes and property against wildland fire.

Chief Rod Bywater Reports for Duty

Today was the official start date for Chief Rod Bywater, the new Deputy Chief for the San Bernardino Unit. Chief Bywater returns to the San Bernardino Unit after several years working and advancing in the nearby CAL FIRE Riverside Unit.

Unit Chief Tim McClelland gives the oath of office to New Deputy Chief Rod Bywater

Chief McClelland congratulates his new Deputy Chief. Welcome aboard Chief Bywater.

Smuggling Illegal Fireworks can Lead to Serious Jail Time

As the Fourth of July approaches, plans are being made not for celebrations, but on how illegal or misguided entrepreneurs can make a fast profit by smuggling illegal fireworks into California. Many of these illegal fireworks are purchased in neighboring Nevada where they are legal. The problem begins when the fireworks cross into California. Already, the California Highway Patrol has confiscated thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks on the way to California communities.

Many people do not understand how few fireworks need to be in your possession to constitute a felony. Any amount that exceeds 100 pounds gross weight (that includes packaging) can be prosecuted as a felony. The penalty for conviction can be up to one year in state prison or county jail and fines of $5,000 to $10,000. Less than one hundred pounds of illegal fireworks can bring a misdemeanor conviction with up to a year in jail and $1,000 to $5,000 in fines. Something as simple as a mortar and eight re-load shells constitutes one pound new weight pyrotechnic composition. Even a simple out-of-state purchase for personal use brought into California would be subject to penalties of jail time and large fines.

CAL FIRE in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies will continue their efforts to reduce the smuggling of illegal fireworks into California. They will also seek the strongest penalties provided by the law for those who are caught and convicted. "These types of fireworks are dangerous and destructive and have no place in California" said CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit Fire Prevention Chief Bart Chambers. "If you must use fireworks, use only State Fire Marshal Approved Safe and Sane fireworks in areas approved for their use" said Chief Chambers.

For more information regarding fireworks log on to the State Fire Marshal's web site at http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/strucfireengineer_fireworks.php

Round-Up Fire - Letter of Appreciation

2011 Fire Season Opening News Conference

Today in Diamond Bar, California, State, Federal, and Local fire departments came together to discuss the 2011 fire season. The fire officials shared important information regarding the wildfire potential for this year. Resources and staffing were also discussed. After the meeting, the chiefs conducted a news conference to discuss the results of the meeting. The chief also used this time to remind citizens of their responsibility in making their property defensible.


Acting CAL FIRE Director Ken Pimlott talks with Associated Press Reporter

Several Chief Officers spoke at the news conference including Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby, CAL FIRE Acting Director Ken Pimlott, Venture County Fire Chief Bob Roper, Chief Jim Hall from the USFS/Angeles National Forest and CAL FIRE Southern Region Chief Dale Hucthinson

Firefighters get ready for 15th Annual Wildland Training

For the 25th consecutive year, firefighters from fire departments throughout the San Bernardino valley will be participating in the San Bernardino County Fire Training Officers' Association's wildland training exercise. The training focuses on wildland urban interface fire operations including structure defense techniques, resource utilization, equipment deployment, structure triage, safety, communications, and tactical priorities. The training includes a realistic 4-hour training exercise. This type of training is an excellent example of regionalized integrated fire service operations.

When faced with a wildfire, firefighters employ a technique called "bump and run". This is where a strike team of five fire engines will enter a threatened or burning neighborhood and deploy at five consecutive homes. The fire engine backs into the driveway of a home and firefighters quickly assess their surroundings. If the home has defensible space and firefighters feel it can be defended, they deploy hoses and work to push the approaching flames around the to the next home. They return to their engine and move to the next home furthest down the line and so on. This leapfrogging allows firefighters to protect a larger number of homes with a smaller amount of resources.

The training is designed for engine company personnel and Strike Team/Task Force leaders. "This training is an important annual event and allows our local firefighters to train together in a realistic environment, sharpening their skills in preparation for the upcoming high fire hazard months of summer and fall" said CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit Chief Tim McClelland.