San Bernardino County Fire

Fire Destroys Vacant Commercial Convalescent Hospital

This morning San Bernardino County Fire crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of Grace & San Bernardino Ave. 911 callers stated smoke and fire from a vacant commercial occupancy.

Firefighters arrived to find a large vacant structure approximately 25% involved in fire. Arriving crews deployed to the building, working to suppress the fire & search for any potential victims. Firefighters initiated an offensive fire attack, coordinating with truck crews on the roof to limit the spread through the 13,000 square foot building. The building prior to being vacant, was a 49 room convalescent hospital. Due to the fire involvement & size of the building a second alarm was quickly struck. Firefighters did locate two people inside the building & assisted them to safety. Both parties were uninjured and delcined transport.

The fire quickly grew in size, spreading to a common attic space of the building. Crews worked to complete a primary search of survivable portions of the building, as transients were known to frequent the building. Despite suppression efforts, the fire continued to grow in size and intensity, pushing crews to switch from an offensive to a defensive posture.

Once outside, firefighters utilized ladder trucks & handlines to flow large volumes of water on the building. Firefighters shifted their priority to limiting spread nearby adjacent buildings. Within 90 minutes of arrival the bulk of the fire was knocked down. To assist with extensive overhaul a SBCoFD Excavator was utilized. This allowed for firefighters to safely and efficiently overhaul the structurally compromised building. Crews remain on-scene completing overhaul. No injuries to firefighters or citizens were reported. The fire remains under investigation by fire investigators.

San Bernardino County Fire responded with eight Engines, two Truck Companies, two Medic Squads, three Chief Officers, an Air/Light unit, an Excavator & two Fire Investigators. Rialto Fire assisted with an Engine Company.

Incident – Commercial Fire
Date/Time – 2/15/2024, 6:05am
Location – 17900 blk of San Bernardino Ave, Bloomington
Contact- Mike McClintock, Battalion Chief / PIO, [email protected]

Firefighters Rescue Dog Trapped in Sinkhole in Hesperia

Hesperia, CA - responded to a public service call reporting an elderly dog trapped in a sinkhole at a home in Hesperia. The canine, identified as Janie, was discovered in the front yard of a residence, approximately 15 feet deep in the sinkhole.

Medic Engine and Truck 304 responded to find Janie, the elderly dog, in good spirits and active at the bottom of the hole. The owner, who discovered his furry friend this morning, shared concerns that Janie might have been in the hole overnight.

With safety as their top priority, firefighters initiated protocols to evaluate the hole and assess the stability of the surrounding dirt. Edge protection measures were implemented to disperse pressure and minimize the risk of entrapment or soil sloughing into the hole. Fortunately, the atmosphere within the hole posed no hazards to Janie or rescuers.

Accessing the pit via ladder, a firefighter entered the sinkhole, retrieved Janie and reunited her with her relieved owner. We are pleased to report that Janie emerged from the sinkhole unharmed and appeared overjoyed to be reunited with her owner.

We appreciate the owner reaching out for help and are proud to serve our communities.

County Fire offices will be closed in observance of Presidents' Day on Monday, Feb. 19. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Continuing our series, we're shining a light on EMS Training Supervisor Leigh Overton for her remarkable efforts during the 2023 Winter Storms. Leigh demonstrated extraordinary dedication by delivering medication to residents of the mountain communities who were either trapped in their homes or unable to access medications due to road closures. Collaborating with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, she meticulously gathered patient, insurance, and pharmacy data, and coordinated with fire line medic teams for distribution. Even after March ended, Leigh continued her efforts voluntarily.

Leigh's contribution extends beyond the immediate crisis. She played a pivotal role in establishing a medication distribution protocol for future disasters such as storms or earthquakes. Her work involved setting up a platform and constructing a database to ensure swift replication of the project in any future emergencies.

In recognition of her exceptional commitment to the community, Leigh Overton was honored with the Exceptional Service Award during our Salute to Service ceremony. While typically bestowed upon fire suppression personnel, Leigh's receipt of this award underscores the significance of her medication delivery initiative in preventing medical crises and developing community bonds. Congratulations to Leigh, our spotlight of the week!

If you've experienced structural damage to your residence or business such as a roof collapse, buckled/cracked interior walls, collapsed carport, water and/or mud intrusion, etc. caused by the recent storms, please report it here 👉 sbcfire.co/42x18QG

Remember The Past, Chronicles of Service: Hesperia Fire District's Legacy since 1954!

Exploring the rich history of Hesperia Fire District! Did you know? that since 1954, Hesperia has been a steadfast guardian, providing paramedic, transport, and fire and rescue services? In 1977, they initiated their first paramedic transport service, marking a pivotal moment in their commitment to community health.

Let's take a trip down memory lane and appreciate the long-standing commitment to community safety. In 2004 Hesperia Fire District contracted with San Bernardino County Fire, with its personnel continuing their unwavering dedication to service along side all the County Fire firefighters. From its early days to the present, Hesperia Fire District, now part of San Bernardino County Fire, has been an integral part of our community's story. With a legacy rooted in service, they've evolved to meet ever-changing needs, ensuring the well-being of residents. Cheers to the dedicated individuals who have been the backbone of Hesperia's safety for decades!

Hesperia resident and World War II test pilot, William “Bill” Coe, is credited with founding Hesperia’s fire department. In the summer of 1954 his home burned to the ground. As a result, he established a volunteer fire department. He served as Hesperia’s first Fire Chief from 1954 to 1969.

At first, the volunteers shared a station with the California Department of Forestry (CDF). There had been a CDF fire station in Hesperia since 1935, but it was only staffed during fire season; usually June through September. And if there was a large fire elsewhere in the state, that CDF engine would often be assigned to flight the fire, once again leaving Hesperia without any fire protection at all.

In January 1955 the volunteers bought their first firefighting apparatus, a 1942 Chevrolet fire engine that they purchased from George Air Force Base for $1000. But the fire engine was old and needed a new motor. So, the women’s Auxiliary sold quilts and cakes to raise money for the repairs. A new GMC motor was bought for $250 and put into the old Chevy fire engine, making it ready for service.

In 1956 George Air Force Base also gave the volunteers an ambulance that they could use to transport patients to St. Mary’s Hospital in Apple Valley.

Hesperia Fire Protection District (HFPD) was officially established by the country on September 30, 1957. The district was granted self-governing status in the winter of 1960. In 1961 the district reorganized, elected a Board of Directors, and began levying a property tax to support the district. That year the fire district received just $32,285 in revenue.

Hesperia Fire Protection District’s first full-time employee was Al Ringler. Al was a CDF Engineer who was in Hesperia only during the fire season. Hesperia contracted with Al to be a driver for the rest of the year. Eventually Al became a full-time firefighter, then a captain. In 1969 he began serving as HFPD”s second Fire Chief, a position he held until 1975. Chief Ringler hired nine full-time personnel and laid the groundwork for paramedic service.

Between 1975 and 1977 some of HFPD’s personnel were sent to Loma Linda University Medical Center to attend the first paramedic class ever held in San Bernardino County. The district’s first paramedic transport ambulance was placed in service in 1977. With that, Hesperia began operating the first officially recognized full-time fire department paramedic service in the county. The first three Hesperia Fire paramedics were Woody Conklin, Bob Dick and Mike Weis.

1977 was also the year the HFPD held the first fire academy in the High Desert.

In 1979 a major wildfire swept thru town. Pushed by high winds, the fire charred more than 1600 acres and killed two people in the space of one afternoon.

By the 1980’s paramedic service had been in place for some time, but transportation options for their patients were still limited. Prior to 1983, transportation of patients out of the high desert by helicopter was considered unsafe. Hesperia FPD had become heavily involved in both the San Bernardino County Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC) and the San Bernardino County Fire Chiefs EMS Section. These committees pushed for advancements in paramedic care including endotracheal intubations and needle thoracotomies. Pushed by Hesperia Fire and the County Chiefs EMS section, in 1983 a trial period for air ambulance transportation in the high desert was granted using helicopters from Sheriffs Aviation. Using helicopters to rapidly transport high desert patients to Trauma Centers and other specialized treatment centers proved to be a major success. Today, hundreds of patients a year are transported out of the high desert by helicopter.

Between 1980 and 1990 Hesperia’s population grew from 13,574 to 50,418 residents, a 371% increase! This unprecedented population explosion, along with budget constraints brought on by legislation such as proposition 13, put a huge strain on the fire district’s ability to provide service to the community.

In 1988 the voters approved incorporation and Hesperia became a city. The fire district then fell under the city’s control.

In 2004 with a population of now more than 70,000 people to protect, the City of Hesperia decided to enter into a contract for services with San Bernardino County Fire and the City of Hesperia became part of the County Fire family.

Today, SBCoFD has almost 24,000 responses in the City of Hesperia, supported by the County Fire Districts regionalized service model.

🔥 Photo of the Day: The Fire Engineer

Captured in this file photo is Engineer DiDonato (Now Captain) at the pump panel during a fire incident.

Did You Know? As a Fire Department Engineer, the role encompasses driving, maintaining firefighting equipment, and responding to incidents. Serving as the second in command at the station, the engineer ensures the crew's safe arrival at emergencies and provides crucial logistical support on fire scenes, securing the water supply, and pumping apparatus. A linchpin in station dynamics, the engineer ensures all unseen equipment is ready for firefighters.

Daily, the engineer meticulously checks the fire apparatus mechanically and ensures all equipment is in proper working order, guaranteeing readiness for any emergency. Proficient knowledge in mathematics is vital, especially for fire ground hydraulics. This expertise allows the engineer to determine the correct pressures to flow water from all lines being pumped from the fire engine. At County fire these individuals can be visually identified on the fireground with a yellow helmet, red stickers and numbers. Every County Fire engine and truck boasts a dedicated Fire Apparatus Engineer, committed to community safety!

🔥 Photo of the Day: Command and Control

Captured in this file photo is the primary vehicle our chief officers use. There are a few variations between our Battalion, Division, Assistant, and Deputy Chiefs; however, this vehicle provides the most operational capabilities. Some of the details are listed below.

Did you know? The primary function of our chief officers is to provide incident command for firefighters during significant incidents. Typically, one battalion chief provides administrative and operational oversight to multiple fire stations within a certain geographic region. They play a key role in the command structure in the fire service. Below are some of the more detailed highlights.⠀
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Features:⠀
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Ford Expedition 4x4 SSV⠀
Whelen Lighting Package⠀
Custom Center Console by Innovative Emergency Equipment ()⠀
2 Motorola 800 MHz Mobile Remote Radio Heads⠀
2 Bendix/King KNG Mobile Remote Radio Heads⠀
Lockable Storage Compartment⠀
Rear Seating Area Custom Storage Box with Integrated Driver/Passenger Protective Cage by Innovative Emergency Equipment⠀
Provides a secure storage solution for equipment & gear⠀
Protective Cage features a “swing-away” section behind the driver to allow the seat to recline⠀
Storage Box has a hidden compartment to house electrical components ⠀
Custom Command Box by Innovative Emergency Equipment⠀
2 Motorola 800 MHz Mobile Remote Radio Heads⠀
2 Bendix/King KNG Mobile Remote Radio Heads⠀
Pop-Up Whiteboard Drawer⠀
Map Drawer⠀
Work Surface/Utility Drawer⠀
Second Utility Drawer⠀
File Drawer⠀
110 Volt Outlet⠀
Power Ports

One Rescued from Fontana Septic Tank

This morning at 9:50 AM, San Bernardino County Fire responded to a reported Rescue in the 8200 block of Cherry Avenue in the City of Fontana. The 911 caller stated that a female had fallen into a sinkhole.

Firefighters arrived at a mobile home park and were directed to an opening in the earth between two trailers. The victim, an adult female, was located approximately 25 feet down in the bottom of an old septic tank. Firefighters were able to make voice contact with the victim who stated that the ground beneath her feet had suddenly collapsed while she was walking in her yard.

Due to the limited access and un-reinforced soil of the hole with potential for cave-in, the call was upgraded to a confined space rescue. County Fire’s Urban Search & Rescue team along with Rancho Cucamonga Fire’s Technical Rescue team were assigned to the incident.

Rescue crews constructed a rope system which incorporated a high point via a tripod in order to minimize disturbance to the surrounding earth and reduce the risk of cave-in. A single rescuer was lowered into the hole and assisted the victim in donning a harness. Both victim and rescuer were then successfully hoisted out of the tank.

The patient was assessed by firefighter/paramedics and transported to a local trauma center for evaluation of non-life threatening lower extremity injuries.

After the rescue was complete, the scene was turned over to the State Housing Board, the agency responsible for mobile home parks, for investigation & mitigation of the septic tank access. No evacuations were required, and the occupants are expected to be able to return home this evening.

San Bernardino County Fire responded with three engines, a truck company, an Urban Search and Rescue team, two medic squads, three chief officers, and one Safety Officer.

Rancho Cucamonga Fire District assisted with their Technical Rescue Team and a chief officer.

San Bernardino County Fire hosts one of California’s 12 Regional Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Forces certified by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

County Fire’s USAR Task Force is identified as Regional USAR Task Force 6 or CA-RTF-6. County Fire’s special USAR equipment includes seven Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) vehicles, three of which are Type 1 Heavy Rescue units, which provide the highest level of local USAR response capability. A Regional USAR Task Force includes 29 specially trained personnel and is authorized to respond to major rescue emergencies including mass transit accidents and large-scale disasters such as earthquakes or major terrorist incidents.

Date/Time: February 8, 2024 9:49 AM
Incident - Confined Space Rescue. (BDC #: 24-033331)
Location - 8200 block of Cherry Ave, Fontana
Contact - Eric Sherwin, Public Information Officer (909) 547-5080

Looking for real-time traffic information? The Caltrans QuickMap web page includes traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities, incident reports, Changeable Message Sign (CMS) content, camera snapshots, and active chain control requirements: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ 🛣 🚘

Turn Around Don't Drown

With significant rain here in San Bernardino County be sure to Turn Around Don't Drown!

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.

People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) Turn Around Don't Drown Additional Information -
https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown

San Bernardino County Operational Area in cooperation with California Governor's Office of Emergency Services has added additional firefighters and equipment to the area. The additional staffing and equipment will allow a robust response to local emergencies while keeping neighborhood fire stations ready for additional calls. The resources will stage at San Bernardino County Fire’s Camp 6 in the Devore area and will be deployed based on operational need. The additional staffing and equipment will be available for use across the County.

Additional Staffing & Equipment
-OES Type VI (Brush Patrol) Strike Team (5 Patrols & a Leader)
-SBCoFD Type II Hand Crew
-SBCoFD Swift Water Rescue Teams
-SBCoFD Heavy Equipment
-Overhead members to augment dispatch & operational needs.

As the storm approaches San Bernardino County we continue to be ready & prepared to respond.

Power Line Safety

As the incoming storm arrives high winds are also expected. Dangerous weather conditions, including Santa Ana wind events and stormy weather, can cause power lines to fall. Downed power lines near water can electrify puddles, wet grass and the surrounding area.

What should I do if I see a downed or damaged electrical line?
-Never touch or even approach a downed power line – it can cause serious injury or even death.
-Whether overhead or on the ground, consider all power lines energized and dangerous.
-Don’t touch anyone or anything in contact with a downed power line, including debris, trees, cars, ladders, and people.
-Don't try to use tools such as a branch or stick to move the line.
Call 9-1-1 right away.
-If you wish to report a downed wire, please only tell us about what you can see from a safe distance. Southern California Edison - 1-800-611-1911.

Swiftwater Rescue Teams

San Bernardino County firefighters receive basic swift water rescue training, and well over 100 county firefighters are trained in advanced swift water rescue skills. Swift water rescue personnel have the ability to perform land-based swift water rescues, in which rescuers work from stream banks, bridges, dry land locations, and water rescue systems in which rescue personnel enter the water. Rescue teams continue to be at the ready in your neighborhood fire stations. San Bernardino County Fire also works directly with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Air-Rescue program, allowing for aerial reconnaissance & rescue operations. This partnership has been valuable on fire and rescue calls Countywide, including many swift water rescues.

Nearly all of San Bernardino County Fire’s ( ) first-response engines, ambulances, squads, and rescue units are equipped with swift-water rescue gear, which includes dry-suits, floating ropes, personal flotation devices, and other rescue equipment.

In addition, inflatable rescue boats, line guns, (which can propel rescue ropes over long distances), and other types of swift-water rescue gear are positioned throughout the county for rapid deployment, especially around streams where heavy rains can create deep, fast moving currents.

Urban Search and Rescue teams respond to events such as earthquakes or terrorist incidents that cause widespread damage to a variety of structures and entrap up to hundreds or thousands of people. Other examples of USAR events can range from mass transportation accidents with multiple victims to single-site events such as a trench cave-in or permit required confined space rescue and swift water rescue.

For about our Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Teams visit https://sbcfire.org/searchandrescue/https://sbcfire.org/searchandrescue/