Wind fans wildfire 7 miles N.E. of Sisters

.: Albany Democrat-Herald: Local News: "Wind fans wildfire 7 miles N.E. of Sisters

SISTERS n High winds have challenged firefighters battling a wildfire burning approximately 7 miles northeast of Sisters. The fire was reported at 2:05 p.m. on Sunday, and was being pushed east of Stevens Canyon toward Fremont Canyon by up to 20 mile per hour winds.

The fire is burning primarily in grass and brush, and is believed to be between 50 and 100 acres. The fire initially threatened structures, but shifted and began moving northeast away from homes. No evacuations had been ordered as of 7 p.m. Sunday.

Firefighters were expected to get a break Sunday evening, with winds decreasing to 5 to 10 mph by midnight. Temperatures were also expected to drop into the upper 20s and lower 30s.

The fire is believed to be human caused, but is still under investigation.

The fire was being staffed by 7 engines, 2 smokejumpers, 1 dozer and a water tender. Resources are being provided by Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service."

Water truck tumbles down embankment

North State Briefs: May 26, 2007 :

"LAKE SHASTA -- The driver of a water tender assigned to help fight the Bolli Fire went down an approximately 200-foot embankment Friday, and reportedly suffered minor injuries, said a spokesman for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

The water tender did not roll into Lake Shasta as had been feared, he said.

Forest Service spokesman Mike Odle said the contracted driver, who worked for Alan's Water of Cottonwood, went off a Forest Service road north of Whitegate and rolled about 200 feet before stopping. The driver was going to be taken to a Redding hospital for observation."

Maine Firefighter Killed in Tanker Rollover - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

Maine Firefighter Killed in Tanker Rollover - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty: "

SPRINGFIELD, Maine-- A volunteer firefighter answering a call for assistance at a Prentiss sawmill was killed instantly when the firetruck he was driving overturned on Route 169 at about noon Monday.

Firefighter Peter Beebe-Lawson, 50, of Springfield was coming out of a fairly sharp curve on his way to the fire when he apparently lost control of the 3,500-gallon Freightliner tanker truck at about 11:45 a.m., Trooper Jarod Stedman said.

The tanker went off the right side of the road before veering into pine trees on the road's left side. The tanker absorbed heavy front-end and roof damage and landed on its passenger side.

The truck's sole occupant, Beebe-Lawson was pronounced dead at the scene, Stedman said. The body was taken to Clay's Funeral Home in Lincoln.

A tiny town centered between Lincoln and Topsfield along Route 169 on the eastern edge of Penobscot County, Springfield was hit hard by the loss of Beebe-Lawson, a devout Roman Catholic with several foster children who friends said was planning to open a private school with his wife, Selby.

"It's a horrible loss for our community. Our hearts go out to his family," Selectwoman Lorna Thompson said Monday as she gathered Fire Department insurance information and other data that might help Beebe-Lawson's family.

"We really don't know what happened, and until we do, there's really not much I think we're going to be willing to say," Thompson added. "Everybody knows everybody in a small town like this."

She refused further comment.

"I haven't known him for a long time," Tax Collector Kay Thompson said, "but you could tell he cared about people. He tried to help a lot of people ... he'd try to take care of them, talk with them if they wanted help."

The fire destroyed the sawmill, Cole's Shingle Mill located on Mud Pond Road, said Stephen McCausland, Maine State Police spokesman. An overheated gasoline engine that powered a saw caused the fire at the one-story business, which made cedar shingles. Springfield and Kingman volunteer firefighters fought the blaze.

Beebe-Lawson's death drew condolences from Gov. John Baldacci, who was "deeply saddened by this terrible accident."

"Peter Beebe-Lawson gave his life in the line of duty," Baldacci said in a press release. "Firefighters risk their lives every day protecting the rest of us. They deserve our deepest gratitude and respect."

Firefighters, including Springfield Fire Chief John Krapf, visited the fire scene several times during the day as Troopers Stedman, Trevor Snow, Angela Porter and Marc Poulin worked to reconstruct how the accident occurred.

Krapf and his brother Steve, who is also a Springfield fire volunteer, described Beebe-Lawson as an ardent community participant, eager to help others, despite moving to Springfield only about three years ago.

"He was a very outgoing, friendly person," said Steve Krapf, who met the Beebe-Lawsons at St. James Church, which they attended regularly. "He would talk to anybody. He was always really interested in other people."

Beebe-Lawson was a fully qualified truck driver and the truck regularly passed monthly inspections, John Krapf said. The reconditioned Irving tanker truck, which Krapf described as a 1989 model but state police pegged as a 1973, had no mechanical problems.

"We just had it repainted and we were going to have it re-lettered," Krapf said of the truck.

Beebe-Lawson's was the first accident involving a firetruck, John Krapf said, on that stretch of Route 169, which is sharply crested in the center, has worn but intact blacktop and little emergency lane space on either side.

"We've had logging trucks roll over around here, but that's usually a bit further along the road [toward Prentiss]," Krapf said.

Krapf promised that Springfield firefighters would hold a memorial, perhaps a fundraising supper, in honor of their fallen comrade and to aid his family.

Republished with permission of the Bangor Daily News.

"

National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System

Whiner of the year award goes to...Here's your sign award...

National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System:

Synopsis

Inexperienced driver nearly knocks over crew when he opens tank dump.

Event Description

During monthly apparatus checks, an inexperienced driver was in the cab of a 3000 gallon water tender. He inadvertently pulled the actuator knob for the rear tank dump. The outflow of water narrowly missed other firefighters working the area, narrowly avoiding injury.

Lessons Learned

Standard procedure during training should be that non-familiar operators are only allowed in the cab when accompanied by a trained operator. The actuator knob should be clearly marked and perhaps painted a bright warning color or covered with a manual locking mechanism.

Demographics

Department type: Combination, Mostly volunteer

Job or rank: Captain

Department shift: Straight days (8 hour)

Age: 52 - 60

Years of fire service experience: 11 - 13

Region: FEMA Region X

Event type: On-duty activities: apparatus and station maintenance, meetings, tours, etc.

Event date and time: 05/15/2006 19:30

Hours into the shift: 0 - 4

Event participation: Told of event, but neither involved nor witnessed event

Weather at time of event:

Do you think this will happen again? No

What were the contributing factors?

• Task Allocation
• Training Issue
• SOP / SOG
• Human Error

What do you believe is the loss potential?

• Property damage
• Minor injury

My Dream Truck - Model M923A1 water truck, water tender

Model M923A1 water truck, water tender
Editors note:

Anyone want to make the editor real happy?
Any investors out there?
I would love to set this one up for Wildland fire fighting! From the limited info this seems like a great base truck to build out for fire fighting support... I drive you buy!

M923A1 water truck

United Truck & Equipment:
http://www.watertrucks.com/truck_details.asp?id=4
"1986 AM General M923A1 4000 Gallon Hyd Sys 5-Valve
Unit Number TRAMGN
Year 1986
Make AM General
Model M923A1
Sale Price $52900; 1986 AM General (Three Units for Production); UnitedBuilt 4000 Gallon 5-Valve Hydraulic System w/Self-loading; Cummins Diesel Engine 250hp; Allison MT654 Automatic Transmission; 18000# Front Axle; 38000# Rear Axle"

Salt-water truck overturns leaving driver and sole occupant dead

The Shreveport Times:

"Louisiana state police are looking into what caused a salt-water truck to overturn in Claiborne Parish today, leaving its driver and sole occupant dead.

Charles L. McVay’s 2003 Mack salt water truck was headed north on the Pattontown Road a little more than 5 miles south of state Highway 2 when it topped a hill, a report from Troop G says.

The truck ran off the right side of the road at around 12:45 p.m., toppling onto its side after skidding about 250 feet, the report said.

McVay, 58 and from Homer, was dead at the scene, the report said, adding he was wearing his seat belt and shoulder harness, and alcohol use is not believed to have been involved."

This company obviously has pride in its equipment

Editors note: Alotta H2O water truck service obviously has pride in its equipment, Found the website for this Southern California company and just love the pride shown in operations an equipment. Check it out here

Alotta H2O water truck service has been servicing Southern California for the past 16 years. Our fleet of trucks are well maintained, street licensed, fully equipped and insured and run 24/7 or as needed. We have done 100’s of movies and/or commercial productions.

Our Services Include: Grading / Excavating Dust Control / Parking Lot Cleaning Fire Protection / CDF Certified Motion Picture / Film / Production

..

Propeller may have injured pair of wayward whales - CNN.com

Propeller may have injured pair of wayward whales - CNN.com:

Propeller may have injured pair of wayward whales

POSTED: 8:31 a.m. EDT, May 17, 2007

Story Highlights

• NEW: Injuries on whales near Sacramento, California, typical of propeller wounds
• Humpback mother, calf made 90-mile river journey from San Francisco
• Whales probably won't need treatment if they can be returned to seawater
• Biologists to play whale sounds to lure pair toward San Francisco Bay

WEST SACRAMENTO, California (AP) -- Two humpback whales that made a 90-mile river journey from San Francisco to the outskirts of Sacramento have injuries that appear to have come from a propeller, marine experts said Wednesday.

The condition of the whales, believed to be a mother and her calf, was diagnosed by researchers from the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, using photos taken Wednesday in the Port of Sacramento and enlarged on computer screens.

"The injury on the female is about 2 feet long, 6 inches deep, and has sharp edges typical of a propeller wound. We don't think it's life-threatening," said Frances Gulland, director of veterinary science at the center, the group that has taken the lead on the attempted rescue of the whales. "The calf has a wound that looks a little bit more severe than the female."

The calf's wound was difficult to assess because it is on the animal's underside, below the water line, Gulland said.

Although the injuries appear to be growing, the whales will probably not need treatment if they can be returned to their natural seawater habitat, researchers said. The salty ocean water is cleaner than the fresh water in the port, helping to heal such cuts in the mammals.

Biologists planned to play the familiar sounds of humpback whales underwater Thursday to lure the whales out of the basin and toward San Francisco Bay, Gulland said. They will play the sounds from a boat as the tide goes out.

Shipping and small boat traffic were halted in the canal, which is 30 feet deep and 200 feet wide. One freighter remained docked at the port, known primarily as an export terminal for California rice.

The next ship was not expected to dock until May 23, giving authorities time to try to escort the whales back to the Pacific, said Teresa Bledsoe, administrative clerk at the Port of Sacramento.

Biologists had feared the larger whale was entangled in fishing gear, but what appeared to be an object wrapped around it is actually blubber, Gulland said.

The wounds, which were likely suffered as the whales made their way up the Sacramento River, appear to go only as deep as their blubber, rather than their muscle.

Mount Shasta Herald, Weed Press, Dunsmuir News - Mt. Shasta News - News

Mount Shasta Herald, Weed Press, Dunsmuir News - Mt. Shasta News - News:

Prescribed burn goes as planned in McCloud

By Gene Eagle

Photo of the recent prescribed burn at the former landfill site in McCloud by Gene Eagle

Five large piles of wood at the former landfill site in McCloud were consumed by fire during a scheduled prescribed burn Friday evening.

The burn was conducted by the McCloud Fire Department, in conjunction Mount Shasta Fire Protection District and McCloud CDF.

Twenty firefighters were involved, and a water tender from John Ingram Trucking was used.

McCloud Fire Chief Craig Young said the wood that was burned could be moved to the Mount Shasta transfer center.

“We had five large piles that were about 50 by 50 feet each, with 150 feet clearance around them,” Young said.

The water tender skirted the outer perimeter of the burn area throughout the evening, spraying water onto the wildland area to keep trees, brush and other vegetation wet.

“We also had three firefighters in the brush keeping a lookout for any spot fires that might occur,” said Young.

Over 2,000 feet of hoses lay at the ready around the outside perimeter.

Young reported no problems, saying the humidity was high and the wind never got over two miles per hour.

He said Auto Aid engines from CDF and Mount Shasta Fire Protection District were released at about 11 p.m., leaving three firefighters on watch throughout the night with the portable 4,000 gallon pond, floating pump and hoses in place in case the wind picked up.

“I want to thank McCloud CDF, Mount Shasta Fire District firefighters, Chief Chris Baker, John Ingram and McCloud Community Service District employees for their help getting this burn done safely,” said Chief Young. “It was good training for everyone involved.”

Young encourages anyone interested in joining the McCloud Volunteer Fire Department to call

964-2422.

Over 2,000 feet of hoses lay at the ready around the outside perimeter.

Young reported no problems, saying the humidity was hi"

Beautiful Kenworth / Pierce elliptical tank water tender

Tankers - Elliptical Tanker:


Elliptical Tanker
With its low center of gravity, a Pierce elliptical tanker will give you smoother, easier handling as well as increased vehicle stability. The design is a proven performer, having survived our grueling 'twist test' in which opposite front and rear wheels are raised 9' to identify and eliminate potential stress points.

Highlights/Features

* Stainless steel tank with exclusive Pierce full head baffling system and brushed finish. 20-year warranty.
* Corrosion-free, lightweight, lifetime-warranty polypropylene tank with polished wrap and insulation
* Multiple body designs and rear axle locations for optimum weight distribution.
* Several tank bulkhead sizes available/used to optimize the tank configuration for the lowest center of gravity, overall height, and best weight distribution.
* Maximum storage space.

Typical Specifications Models

* Mini-pumper, compliant with NFPA 1901.
* Mini-pumper featuring a rear-mounted portable pump, compliant with NFPA 1906.
* Mini-pumper with cross-mount pump, compliant with NFPA 1906.

The View From North Central Idaho - Boomershoot 2007 cleanup

The View From North Central Idaho - Boomershoot 2007 cleanup:

Boomershoot 2007 cleanup completed with a water truck

In some ways the camera motion in this picture adds to the realism of the event:

There were 50 to 75 people shooting at 150 or so high explosive targets from 25 yards away. The rapid detonations at such close range gave my chest a real pounding.

It was all over within a minute or two. But then there was the fire...

Notice the burning flare just right of center in the picture above? That was one of four used to ignite the gasoline from the fireball targets.

The fire required two fire extinguishers and several gallons of water to extinguish. Even though there was no smoke or detectable hot spots two hours later I wasn't satisfied and persuaded my brother Doug to bring out the water truck and we put another 100 to 200 gallons of water on the stump and ashes. We turned the area into a muddy, ugly, soup.

Boomershoot 2007 cleanup--It was work for me but it was fun for others.

Mendel to equip Cambodians with second firetruck (Water Tender)

Douglas Mendel Cambodian Relief Fund
Doug Mendel will be selling Cambodian crafts at the Almost 2 Mile High Flea Market in Silverthorne on June 20. For more information, visit www.dougmendel.com.

***

SUMMIT COUNTY — Doug Mendel hopes to provide Cambodians with a second fire truck in the next several months, but this time he'll skip the time-consuming task of shipping a multi-thousand-pound piece of equipment halfway across the world.

Mendel, a longtime local who recently relocated to Moab, Utah, is in the process of having a water tender built in Phnom Penh, Cambodia through his Douglas Mendel Cambodian Relief Fund.

Last year, he shipped a 30-year-old fire engine donated by Breckenridge's Red, White and Blue Fire District to the Sihanoukville Fire Department in Southern Cambodia. It has since responded to two fires in the port city.

Mendel's latest undertaking included wiring $11,000 to a close friend in Phnom Penh, who is working with the captain of the Phnom Penh Fire Station to have the new truck built.

They will purchase a used two-and-a-half ton Korean truck, then contract out to have it outfitted with a 2,000 liter water tank, a pump, hose, lights and sirens, and a fresh coat of red paint.

When the job is done around June, three firefighters from the rural northeastern province of Ratanakiri will take a 12-hour, 360-mile bus ride to the capital city of Phnom Penh to pick up their gift.

The shiny new truck will replace the eight-person department's aging engine.

"They have one Chinese fire truck that's maybe 25 years old that is 50 percent operational," Mendel said.

Mendel also hopes his nonprofit will raise enough money this year to build a concrete fire station so the crew, based in the province capital Ban Lung, has a place to work and sleep, similar to U.S. fire departments.

He envisions a small facility with four offices that double as shift quarters specifically for the fire department's use.

"They kind of share space with police and so when there is a fire the firefighters have to go from their home to the fire station and then to the scene, like we did 10 years ago. This will help cut down response time greatly," Mendel said.

He estimates he'll need anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 for that project.

Mendel singled out the Ratanakiri province, which borders Vietnam and Laos and has no paved roads or stop signs, for his latest round of aid because its rural location makes it less likely for the government to provide any financial assistance.

Since Mendel formed his nonprofit organization three years ago, he's collected more than $100,000 between donations, fundraisers and proceeds from his Cambodian craft sales. Of that, about 80 percent has gone back to the Cambodian people. Beyond donating the fire trucks, Mendel has provided numerous fire stations with fire-resistant jackets and pants donated by local fire departments. He regularly delivers stuffed animals, toothbrushes and toothpaste to Cambodian street children and has given one underfunded national park nearly $10,000 worth of electronic equipment, such as GPS units, compasses and digital cameras.

Road runner water cannon - free ad

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Remote controlled water cannon mounted on a Water Truck

Roadrunner water cannon in action. San Francisco Bay area

Newly installed remote controlled water cannon being tested. For those hard to reach places

De Luz Fire Department conducts training

The Village News :: De Luz Fire Department conducts training

: "De Luz Fire Department conducts training
Mike Manchor

4/26/2007 6:44:34 PM

DE LUZ — De Luz Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) conducted firefighting training on Sunday, April 15, with San Diego County Copter 12, utilizing their new piece of equipment: a 2,000-gallon firefighting water tender. The drills were conducted at Dancing Spirit Ranch on De Luz Road near the San Diego County line.

The training session simulated a wildfire scenario in which a county firefighting copter was ground- filled with water from the tender, then, after lift off, engine crews in the fields nearby directed airdrops by radio communication direct to the pilot.

Thirty firefighters from De Luz VFD plus CAL FIRE/CDF firefighters from the Red Mountain and De Luz stations filled the copter’s 375-galllon tank and directed drops through ten evolutions.

De Luz VFD will officially receive its tender next month after it is fully completed and equipped by the county, just in time for fire season.

This fire apparatus is the first of 16 newly built vehicles for the unincorporated fire agencies in the San Diego County Fire Enhancement Program, which was started in the fall of 2005. De Luz will also be given a new Ferrara Type II Urban Interface engine in six to eight weeks.

The County Fire Enhancement Program "

Fire fighters tackle Exmoor blaze with water tender

Sommerset County Gazette - Taunton,England,UK

By Chris Alder

Comment

FIRE fighters from Porlock and Dulverton are among crews tackling a large heath fire on the Somerset/Devon border at Taber Hill and North Molton Ridge, Exmoor.

A specialised Supacat all-terrain appliance is in attendance from Porlock, together with a water tender from Bridgwater and other fire engines from Lynton and South Molton.

Devon and Somerset Fire and rescue said the call came at 2.18pm today.

advertisement

Crews are fighting four separate blazes with hose reel jets and beaters.

Truck Driver Failed To Set Parking Brake

Truck Driver Failed To Set Parking Brake:

Truck Driver Failed To Set Parking Brake
September 26, 2006

Arizona - This truck was at the Pilot Truck Stop at Lake Havasu City at Exit 9 on I-40 in western Arizona on September 26, 2006. The guy got fuel, and then pulled forward to go into the truck stop to get his fuel ticket. He failed to set his parking brake, and the truck rolled forward because the entire parking lot is made on a bit of an incline.

I spoke with one of the fire/rescue guys who were cleaning up the spilled fuel mess and the guy said this is the 50th truck that has rolled forward in a similar manner since this truck stop opened a few years ago that he has helped to clean up.

Written and photos by Thomas R. Wiles

Driver of a saltwater tanker truck killed

KTBS :: View News:
Driver of saltwater truck killed in wreck

Posted on 04/09/2007

The driver of a saltwater tanker truck was killed in DeSoto Parish Sunday afternoon when his truck ran off a highway and overturned.

Speed was believed to be the primary reason for the crash -- the third fatal accident in DeSoto Parish involving a saltwater truck on that highway in the past four months.

The accident happened about 12:30 p.m. on Louisiana Highway 5 north of Mansfield. Killed was Christopher Burroughs, 30, of Carthage, Texas.

State Police said Burroughs was driving the saltwater truck westbound on Highway 5 when he lost control in a curve. The truck ran off the right side of the road and overturned.

Burroughs was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the truck, troopers said.

The truck was carrying saltwater from an energy drilling site. The tanker overturned and some of the saltwater it was carrying leaked into a ditch.

In December, a Shreveport man was killed when his car was hit by a saltwater truck. The truck driver drifted into the wrong lane when he reached down to pick up a cell phone he had dropped. The following day, the driver of another saltwater truck was killed when he lost control of his truck and ran off the road.

Water Truck rolls, Farm worker killed

Monterey County Herald | 04/10/2007 | Farm worker killed near San Lucas:

A farm worker was killed at about 1:45 p.m. today when the water truck he was operating rolled down an embankment near San Lucas, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The farm was located about two and half miles north of Highway 198 off Freeman Flat Road, said officer Scott Farrar. No further information on the identity of the victim or the location of the farm was available."

Useless hydrants not a worry

If they look useless, that's because they are.

The five fire hydrants along Bethel Island's main drag have been under wraps for weeks, covered with plastic bags and taped so that firefighters unfamiliar with the area will not waste precious time trying to use them.

But the underground pipeline on Bethel Island Road that had sprung a leak did not have anything to do with the decision to switch off the hydrants' electric pump and put them all out of order -- his crews had not been relying on them anyway, said Interim Chief Bill Weisgerber of East Contra Costa Fire District.

"The only thing new is the bag over the hydrant," he said.

In fact, his four battalion chiefs cannot recall the last time anyone used the aging system, Weisgerber said.

"It's untested, it's antiquated, so rather than rely on that and cause further delay ... we rely on our proven method of supplying our own water," he said.

Although some residents remain skeptical, district firefighters say those methods are quite sufficient until some of the hydrants eventually are replaced.

The moment dispatchers receive reports of a fire, they automatically summon reinforcements for Bethel Island's tiny, two-person station, which has just one engine and a small four-wheel drive truck used in vegetation fires.

The district initially sends a water tender, a truck designed to carry 3,000 gallons of water, said Battalion Chief of Operations Jake Gonzalez, adding that this is standard operating procedure throughout the district.

Just as in Byron and sections of Vasco Road that also do not have any fire hydrants, these vehicles can put large-diameter suction hoses straight into the Delta and pull water into their on-board pumps, said Battalion Chief Hugh Henderson.

If the blaze is big enough, the district can dispatch as many as four water tenders from among the eight stations in Far East County as well as up to four fire engines -- and each of those holds 750 gallons on average, Gonzalez said.

Also at Bethel Island's disposal is a truck that comes with either a 75-foot or 100-foot ladder; Contra Costa Fire Protection District automatically will send one of them from Antioch or Pittsburg if a commercial building or multistory home is on fire, Gonzalez said.

And if that is not enough to quell people's fears, firefighters point out that there are plenty of places on Bethel Island that are not near a fire hydrant, which means the district must use a water tender even if the downtown fire hydrants were working.

The developer building the island's Delta Coves project is expected to install a pipeline within the next year that will carry drinking water to that residential community, after which Diablo Water District will assume the responsibility for maintaining it, Gonzalez said.

He noted that the water district regularly checks its pumps and the pressure in its pipes, ensuring a dependable water supply.

The piping, which will extend down Bethel Island Road to a point near Sandy Lane, will be connected to hydrants that also will be installed along that stretch of road.

As for the new fire boat Bethel Island residents have been hoping for, the order stalled -- the goal was to have the boat delivered last month -- after members of the county Board of Supervisors questioned whether the fire district really needed the $290,000 vessel.

Weisgerber said he will make a case for the purchase in two meetings that he has scheduled with Supervisors Mary Piepho and Federal Glover within the next week.

In the meantime, the district plans to borrow a former military boat that the county sheriff's department recently bought and have it ready to report for duty by the start of Bethel Island's boating season on April 21

U.S. military foils insurgent attack with water truck and dump truck

Herald News Daily - link

U.S. military foils insurgent attack

Staff and agencies
27 March, 2007

BAGHDAD - U.S. soldiers foiled two suicide truck bombings against their base in a small town west of Baghdad and killed as many as 15 attackers, the U.S. military reported Tuesday.

The military said 30 insurgents responded with small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars. Five minutes into the firefight, a dump truck following the same path as the exploded water truck tried to smash into the base but the driver was shot and the load of explosives blew up.

California driver named Goodyear's Highway Hero for 2006

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Goodyear’s 24th North America Highway Hero Edward A. Regener, of Perris, Calif., escaped one fire and jumped into another to save the lives of two men trapped in their burning car.

The FedEx Freight truck driver scrambled from the passenger door of his damaged cab; a burning pickup truck was lodged against his driver’s door, blocking an easy exit. To make matters worse, his twin trailers contained hazardous materials that would contribute to the spread of a toxic fire.

Incredibly, thanks to Regener and some other motorists, all lives were saved.

Regener, a 13-year veteran truck driver, was named the 2006 Highway Hero here March 22 at the annual banquet of the Truck Writers of North America held in conjunction with the Mid-America Trucking Show. His quick thinking on Interstate 10 near Phoenix on Nov. 4, 2006, assuredly saved his life and the lives of two men who caused the tragic accident.

Regener was chosen from four finalists. The other finalists included:

• Elizabeth Pavlista of Miami, Ariz., driver for B.J. Cecil Trucking Inc. Pavlista rescued a woman from her burning car after it rolled down an embankment on Arizona 177 on Aug. 8. The woman died from her injuries.

• Richard Miner, of Phoenix, driver for Saia Motor Freight. Miner saved a woman’s life when her car crashed, rolled and burned in the Interstate 10 median near Phoenix on Sept. 28.

• Marlon Marum, of Burnsville, Minn., driver for Con-way Freight. Marum saved a Metro Transit police officer who was attacked by a drug suspect in downtown Minneapolis on Oct. 6.

For a full report on the award, including an interview with Regener, see the April 15 issue of The Trucker.

For more on Goodyear’s Highway Hero program and to nominate a truck driver for the 25th anniversary of the award, go to http://www.goodyear.com/truck/whatsnew/hero_overview.html.

— The Trucker News Services

San Bernardino County Sun - Early alert for forest

Early alert for forest - Dry winter poses wildfire risk

George Watson, Staff Writer

Article Launched: 03/25/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT

Earlier this month, officials celebrated cutting down the one millionth bug-killed tree in the San Bernardino National Forest.

It was a moment of understandable celebration because of the vast scope of the work: Trees had been dying at a high rate over the past decade, filling the overgrown forest with what are essentially standing matchsticks ready to explode.

For more than three years, dead and ailing trees have been coming down at a rate of 750 per day, boosted by a $70million grant from the federal government.

But as the sun shined brightly on another uncommonly warm March afternoon, the circumstances of that day's weather caused some concern.

"Normally, firefighters would be packing sandbags right now," said David Stuart, a mountain resident and leader of the nonprofit group Rebuilding Mountain Hearts & Minds, which was born out of the devastating 2003 Old Fire that destroyed nearly 1,000 homes. "Instead, they are filling up their pumper engines."

There's been little reason to make sandbags for residents to place around their homes for protection against heavy rainfall.

People used to talk about the region's fire season.

Traditionally, it lasted from June when temperatures rose and moisture levels plummeted - to late November, when rain tends to fall in the valleys and snow blankets the San Bernardino Mountains.

Those days are becoming a memory.

The reasons are twofold: a warming trend further drying out an arid region thanks to a Mediterranean climate that provides little moisture; and population growth in traditionally rural areas that are difficult to defend from wildfires.

Despite the rain that fell in recent days, Southern California is heading toward a historic low in rainfall.

Normally, this time of year is a favorite for flower enthusiasts. But the lack of any real sustained moisture has left the mountains and deserts devoid of their typical spring blooms - another sign of the region's dryness.

It's also a foreboding indication of this year's wildfire season, because the blooms are critical for retaining moisture and holding off the dry season that normally wouldn't start for a month.

"We've seen this coming for the past several years," said Pat Dennen, chief of the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Historically, the county Fire Department has requested $500,000 to pay for supplemental, temporary firefighters for the fire season.

"This year, we left them in place because we never really got out of fire season," Dennen said.

Dennen doubted he would ask for additional funds above the $500,000 for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

The reason? He credited the county Board of Supervisors for consistently beefing up his full-time roster of firefighting jobs over the years.

Like the county, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has been readying for year-round firefighting.

Following some then-uncharacteristic wildfires in winter months during the mid-1990s, CDF officials began looking at how the fire season was changing.

The department is in the second of a three-year trial program that is keeping some fire stations open year-round, said Bill Peters, a CDF spokesman. Those stations are in and around San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego.

Normally, stations like those in Chino Hills and Phelan would shut down during the wetter, winter months, Peters explained.

"Now, the bulk of them are left open with an engine crew stationed there," Peters said, estimating that about 60 percent of stations have stayed open.

Yet while the firefighters are there to battle wildfires, their main responsibility during the winter months is prevention inspections, he added.

"Our inspections are going up exponentially," Peters said, explaining that by making homes and properties safer, it reduces a wildfire's destructive abilities. "The Legislature wanted to see how it was working, making sure they got their money's worth.

"I'd say it's working out pretty well."

Water Truck on Stunt production

'Stunt Junkies' stages bridge feat
Discovery Channel production films parachute drop, BASE jump at Foresthill span

By: Gus Thomson, Journal Staff Writer
Saturday, March 24, 2007 11:52 PM PDT

"Stunt Junkies" stunt athlete Jonathan Tagle approaches the Foresthill Bridge on Friday after swooping from 4,000 feet. The other canopy chute belongs to camera operator J.C. Colclasure. Photo by gus thomson/ Auburn Journal

The always-photogenic Foresthill Bridge became a drop zone for Discovery Channel's "Stunt Junkies" on Friday.

Stunt athlete Jonathan Tagle, a world champion two years ago in canopy parachute piloting, was the "Stunt Junkies" star - attempting a death-defying drop that started 4,000 feet in the air from a helicopter.

Tagle's job was to "swoop" his chute for a landing on the bridge, discard the rigging, jump off the bridge for a free fall and then open a second BASE-jumping chute for a landing on the American River canyon floor about 730 feet below.

Tagle admitted to a "respectful nervousness" leading up to the jump. The bridge is the third highest in the United States. Tagle, 38, has racked up 5,000 parachute jumps and 50 BASE jumps. But he had never done a combination of the two. It will also be his first time on "Stunt Junkies," when the episode airs in May.

"This bridge has a lot of respect in the BASE community," Tagle said. "I'm a little bit nervous but that's what keeps you in check. You use it in a positive way."

"Stunt Junkies" host Eli Thompson, who has 14,000 jumps, said the bridge adds an extra dimension to stunts like Tagle's. The BASE acronym stands for buildings, antennae, structures and earthbound locations parachutists jump from.

"The bridge is fantastic," Thompson said. "It's a favorite of BASE jumpers and I wish it was a legal place to jump, like the one in Twin Falls (Idaho). BASE jumpers are courteous and what better use for the bridge than that."

Last week's three-day shoot at the Foresthill Bridge, about a half-mile east of Auburn, was the third visit by "Stunt Junkies" in the last six months to the pea-green span.

Filming in October provided preparatory footage for bungee jump at Colorado's Royal Gorge. Last month, stunt athlete Marta Empinotti attempted a BASE jump from the top of a moving truck over the bridge railing. That show is slated to air April 16.

Over the past decade, Foresthill Bridge filming has included a spectacular Corvette drop for the Vin Diesel action movie "XXX" and several other stunts for reality-based TV shows.

The "Stunt Junkies" production team approached Placer County and the state Parks Department two weeks ago for a film permit and OK to jump off the county-owned bridge into the canyon, which is part of the Auburn State Recreation Area.

Beverly Lewis, director of the Placer County-Tahoe Film Office, said that working with executive producer Perry Barndt provided an extra level of security when it came to safety.

"He's one of the top stunt coordinators in Hollywood," Lewis said. "He's the perfect person to pull this together because he doesn't take any chances. There are very few things we say 'yes' to filming."

The shoot provided work for Auburn-area people. Lewis said a water truck to wet down the temporary helicopter pad was from Foresthill. The helicopter and pilot were also from Foresthill. And the "Stunt Junkies" crew spent an evening unwinding Thursday at Bowman's Foothill Bowling Center.

Chopper pilot Erik Vandagriff, of Richvale'sa A&P Helicopters, flew from the temporary helipad with a copter that featured four different cameras to catch all the action.

A Foresthill resident who has previously worked on motion pictures like "Independence Day," Vandagriff said that with Placer County not charging for film permits, locations like the Foresthill Bridge are attractive to production companies.

"We need to promote this for the county - when filming at the Golden Gate Bridge costs $15,000," he said. "This is our backyard and we have so many locations."

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AIR QUALITY More water used to quell problem

By JEREMY DEUTSCH Observer Reporter Mar 25 2007 It’s not unusual for air quality in Quesnel this time of year to get bad. As the snow melts, dust from dirty roads and parking lots fill the air and reduces air quality. So the city is requiring property owners with parking lots to water their lots before they’re swept. “What we’re asking them to do is use some water to wet it down prior to sweeping, to keep the dust down as they sweep,” director of public works Jack Marsh said. “I don’t think it’s a big onus on people.” Marsh said the city has been using water for a few years when cleaning streets. “We send a water truck ahead of it, we wet down the road-then we sweep it,” Marsh said. Marsh said the city hasn’t required private parking lots to use water in the past, but every little bit helps keep the air clear. With its Airshed Management plan, Quesnel’s Air Quality Roundtable is keeping tabs on air quality problems. “There is some improvement in air quality in the area, but not a great amount,” AQR chair Dora McMillan said. “It’s a very, very slow process.” McMillan hopes property owners will follow the bylaw. “I’m hoping they will, because it really is a health issue,” she said. “We all have to work together to clean the air.” McMillan said March and April are the worst months for air quality. McMillan points to a study from Prince George due out later this year, on health effects related to dust and chemicals mixing in the air, as proof of how important the issue is. McMillan will be presenting a report on an update of air quality in 2006 at Nature Education Resource Centre April 11 at 7 p.m. Marsh said it usually takes six to eight weeks for crews to clean the entire city. The city started a couple of weeks ago. “We got a pretty good jump on it for this early in the year,” Marsh said.