Have Snowshoes, Will Respond >> Firefighters use alternate methods to reach fire
Deep snow does present some unusual challenges. I had not considered the problems our firemen have when responding to fires. As we only get road closing storms that keep roads closed for a few hours, or perhaps a half-day at a time, its not a big issue here in my part of the midwest. But clearly it is an issue in more snowy regions.
Thank goodness firefighters have alternate contingencies!
Deep snow does present some unusual challenges. I had not considered the problems our firemen have when responding to fires. As we only get road closing storms that keep roads closed for a few hours, or perhaps a half-day at a time, its not a big issue here in my part of the midwest. But clearly it is an issue in more snowy regions.
Thank goodness firefighters have alternate contingencies!
Have snowshoes, will respond
Firefighters use nontraditional transportation in emergencies
By JUDI BOWERS
Reporter
Published: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 7:44 AM PST
http://www.bigbeargrizzly.net/articles/2010/01/27/news/doc4b5fb5728d153065218829.txt
Firefighters are used to challenges. But this fluffy white challenge was a lot to face. What do you do when 5 feet of snow blocks your response to an emergency? You drop back and punt—or in this case put on snowshoes.
The conditions were different, local firefighters said about the series of storms that blanketed Big Bear Valley. “Frustrating,” said Jon Curtis, firefighter paramedic with Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District.
Fire crews used alternative methods of transportation to reach people in need. Big Bear City Fire Department chained up all its rigs, all four wheels. Some areas weren’t accessible except by snowcat, that is once the snowcat was unburied from its winter blanket.
Big Bear Mountain Resorts helped with the transportation issues as well. The resorts provided snowmobiles and sleds.
Big Bear Lake firefighter paramedic Nic Turner said the game plan was to use the snowmobiles to get as close to the emergency location as possible. Then they used snowshoes to get in the rest of the way. Curtis said they snowshoed about a quarter mile.
“That would be time number one,” Curtis said about his experience with snowshoes. Neither he nor Turner had tried snowshoeing prior to the need to do it.
Turner said those who were in need were understanding of the delays because of the weather. But not all calls were for medical aids. The crews at all Valley departments responded to trees and power lines down, trees blocking roads and more. They also fought two structure fires, including one that included live power lines. One Big Bear Lake firefighter was injured in the fire.
Firefighter equipment isn’t designed for snowmobiles and snowshoes. Turner and Curtis said they devised custom bags to carry medical supplies.
“It’s been an innovative way we’ve been able to make it to some calls,” said Big Bear Lake Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Mills. “They had to package patients on toboggans and pull them out by snowmobile, like ski patrol would. Patients think it’s unusual, but given the circumstances of 4 to 5 feet of snow, they are just grateful.”
Fire departments were fully staffed, over staffed for the storms that started Jan. 18 and continued through the week, with more snow falling at press time Jan. 26. Extra crews were added, and crews were working up to 120 hours before being released to go home. Turner said he worked 120 hours before getting 24 hours off, and returned for a 72-hour shift.
Mills implemented a rest plan, cycling personnel through if they hadn’t been released for several days.
The vibe at the station is upbeat, said Fire Prevention Officer Michelle Caldwell about the Big Bear Lake Fire Department. She said everyone has a can-do attitude in less-than-perfect circumstances.
San Bernardino County Fire Department sent additional manpower to help the local departments on Jan. 25. The San Bernardino County station in Fawnskin had an additional engine, and the Big Bear City and Big Bear Lake stations were also provided with additional engines. Two chief officers from the county were also on hand for support.
The storm of January 2010 was a learning tool, Turner said. The crews are writing protocols for contingency plans for future snowstorms. Mills said the department is also considering purchasing its own snowmobiles.
Contact reporter Judi Bowers at 909-866-3456, ext. 137 or by e-mail at jbowers.grizzly@gmail.com.
Firefighters use nontraditional transportation in emergencies
By JUDI BOWERS
Reporter
Published: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 7:44 AM PST
http://www.bigbeargrizzly.net/articles/2010/01/27/news/doc4b5fb5728d153065218829.txt
Firefighters are used to challenges. But this fluffy white challenge was a lot to face. What do you do when 5 feet of snow blocks your response to an emergency? You drop back and punt—or in this case put on snowshoes.
The conditions were different, local firefighters said about the series of storms that blanketed Big Bear Valley. “Frustrating,” said Jon Curtis, firefighter paramedic with Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District.
Fire crews used alternative methods of transportation to reach people in need. Big Bear City Fire Department chained up all its rigs, all four wheels. Some areas weren’t accessible except by snowcat, that is once the snowcat was unburied from its winter blanket.
Big Bear Mountain Resorts helped with the transportation issues as well. The resorts provided snowmobiles and sleds.
Big Bear Lake firefighter paramedic Nic Turner said the game plan was to use the snowmobiles to get as close to the emergency location as possible. Then they used snowshoes to get in the rest of the way. Curtis said they snowshoed about a quarter mile.
“That would be time number one,” Curtis said about his experience with snowshoes. Neither he nor Turner had tried snowshoeing prior to the need to do it.
Turner said those who were in need were understanding of the delays because of the weather. But not all calls were for medical aids. The crews at all Valley departments responded to trees and power lines down, trees blocking roads and more. They also fought two structure fires, including one that included live power lines. One Big Bear Lake firefighter was injured in the fire.
Firefighter equipment isn’t designed for snowmobiles and snowshoes. Turner and Curtis said they devised custom bags to carry medical supplies.
“It’s been an innovative way we’ve been able to make it to some calls,” said Big Bear Lake Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Mills. “They had to package patients on toboggans and pull them out by snowmobile, like ski patrol would. Patients think it’s unusual, but given the circumstances of 4 to 5 feet of snow, they are just grateful.”
Fire departments were fully staffed, over staffed for the storms that started Jan. 18 and continued through the week, with more snow falling at press time Jan. 26. Extra crews were added, and crews were working up to 120 hours before being released to go home. Turner said he worked 120 hours before getting 24 hours off, and returned for a 72-hour shift.
Mills implemented a rest plan, cycling personnel through if they hadn’t been released for several days.
The vibe at the station is upbeat, said Fire Prevention Officer Michelle Caldwell about the Big Bear Lake Fire Department. She said everyone has a can-do attitude in less-than-perfect circumstances.
San Bernardino County Fire Department sent additional manpower to help the local departments on Jan. 25. The San Bernardino County station in Fawnskin had an additional engine, and the Big Bear City and Big Bear Lake stations were also provided with additional engines. Two chief officers from the county were also on hand for support.
The storm of January 2010 was a learning tool, Turner said. The crews are writing protocols for contingency plans for future snowstorms. Mills said the department is also considering purchasing its own snowmobiles.
Contact reporter Judi Bowers at 909-866-3456, ext. 137 or by e-mail at jbowers.grizzly@gmail.com.