Wednesday, May 31, 2006

"Eddie Mac"


For those of you who would like to sign an electronic condolence book go to the Local 230 website at www.sjff.org there you can submit your thoughts about Ed.

Please continue to keep Ed and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Clifford Edward McClanahan
1951-2006


Clifford Edward McClanahan
1951-2006

Firefighter Clifford Edward McClanahan “Eddie Mac” succumbed to his illness early this morning at about 01:00hrs. Eddie was a United States Marine Corps Veteran and joined the San Jose Fire Department in 1979. After serving our country Eddie unselfishly served the community of San Jose for 27 years. Please keep Eddie and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

“We will never forget”




Submitted by Captain Javier Valle, E26A, San Jose Fire Departmnet



Saturday, May 20, 2006

First Wildland Fire of the 2006 Fire Season

San Jose experienced it's first wildland fire of the 2006 fire season in the Santa Teresa hill above south San Jose. On a low fire danger day with a temperature of 70 degrees and a humidity of 48%, a small grass fire of a unique cause occurred .
On Saturday, May 20, 2006, at 11:04 am, San Jose Firefighters responded to a report of smoke in the hills above Santa Teresa County Park off Bernal Road in South San Jose. Firefighters from Fire Station 27 responded in Engine 27 and Brush Patrol 27. En route, Captain Flanoy Garrett requested a Tier One wildland dispatch, upon seeing the smoke column above the Park. The T.I.E.R. One (Tactically Integrated Emergency Response) under the direction of Battalion Chief, Kevin Conant, consisted of Engine and Brush Patrol 27, Engine and Brush Patrol 12 and Engine 18, and Battalions 13 and 2.

In route, Battalion Chief Conant requested the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) be notified and respond as well, since this fire was located in a State Responsibility Area. CDF responded Copter 106, Battalion 1613 and Training Captain 1606. Upon arrival Battalion 13 reported that the fire was less than an acre, burning at a slow rate of spread in semi-cured grass. The fire was located underneath PG& E's high tension power lines. Copter 106 provided a dozen water drops from their bucket, while the crews from Brush Patrol 27 and 12 extinguished the fire's spread. A CDF Hand crew from Ben Lomond Conservation Camp was called in to cut a handline around the perimeter of the fire to ensure that the fire did not rekindle.
There were no injuries incurred on this fire.Damage was limited to less than an acre of annual grass. The cause of the blaze was determined to be from a rattlesnake that was dropped by a raptor. When the bird dropped the snake, it came into contact with the power lines, arced and fell to the ground on fire. Electrocution marks were found on the snake lying in the area of origin on the fire.

Submitted by Battalion Chief Kevin Conant, SJFD

Friday, May 19, 2006

13 Displaced by Apartment Fire

On Thursday, May 18, 2006, at 11:02am, San Jose Firefighters responded to multiple reports of an apartment fire at 275 Pamela Ave. Under the direction of Battalion Chief, Karen Allyn, a full first alarm was dispatched including Engine and Truck Company 2, Engine 8, Engine 19, USAR 16 and Battalions 1 and 2. Engine 2 reported smoke showing from Alum Rock and N. Capital Ave.


Upon arrival Engine 2 was faced with a two story, 8 unit apartment complex with heavy smoke and flames coming out of a second story unit. Flames lapped over the roof eves and thick black smoke covered both ends of the second story breezeway. Led by H/C-Captain, Louis Ramirez, Engine 2 Firefighters battled through intense heat and smoke while executing a direct aggressive interior attack with 1 ¾” hand lines. Truck Company 2, led by Captain, Russ Pfirrman, utilized an aerial ladder to get his crew on the roof to perform vertical ventilation. USAR Company 16, led by Captain, Craig Schwinge, performed search and rescue. Labor intensive salvage and overhaul was completed to minimize property damage and prevent the possibility of a rekindle.



One civilian suffered minor smoke inhalation and a laceration to her elbow. She was treated on scene then transported by ambulance to a local hospital for further evaluation. Her injuries were non-life threatening. Four of the eight apartment units were declared uninhabitable. A total of 13 people were displaced by the fire, including 8 adults and 5 children. The American Red Cross responded to provide emergency housing for the displaced families.

Estimated damage is still being tabulated. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Submitted by Captain, Alberto Olmos, SJFD, PIO

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Ceremonial Flag flown over Station 8


On Friday April 28th, 2006 Captain Richard Toledo Jr., Captain Richard Toledo Sr. (Ret) and the crew at Station 8 “A” shift flew a ceremonial flag over the Station from 08:00-17:00hrs. Upon lowering the flag it was immediately shipped to Norfolk, Virginia for a retirement ceremony on May 12, 2006 honoring Russ Bourbon.

Russ Bourbon received a ceremonial U.S. flag from the Department of the Navy for his dedication and over 26 years of service to our country. During the passing of the flag he presented his father Daniel Bourbon the ceremonial flag flown over Station 8 in honor of his father’s 33 years of service to the San Jose Fire Department. B/C Daniel Bourbon and CA. Richard Toledo Sr. spent most of their careers at Station 8. They retired almost 10 years ago from the San Jose Fire Department.


Congratulations to the Bourbon’s, Toledo’s and the crews at Station 8 for proudly serving our country and community.

Submitted by Captain, Alberto Olmos, SJFD, PIO