SBCFire Annual Report FY13-14 | Page 22

Underground Storage Tank Program With what began as a project to facilitate cleanup of abandoned gas stations throughout California, the Underground Storage Tank program continued the effort here in San Bernardino County. Titled the “Abandoned Underground Storage Tank Initiative,” staff in the Underground Storage Tank program began the tedious project of identifying abandoned underground storage tank systems throughout San Bernardino County. By reaching out to the property owners and educating them on the potential impacts these abandoned systems can play on potential groundwater contamination, the program has been successful in removing numerous abandoned underground storage tanks systems. Once the systems are removed and evaluated for contamination, these sites are providing new opportunities to use the land in ways that benefit the environment, businesses and residents of San Bernardino County. County Fire Responds, Search for Fugitive Turns Deadly The story of a cop killer played all over the news agencies as Southern California residents wondered where the fugitive was. Little did anyone know the gripping story would come to a horrible conclusion in the mountains of Division 4. When word came that the fugitive was possibly hiding in the mountains around Big Bear, Sheriff’s Deputies swarmed the area diligently looking for their criminal. Blizzard like conditions was present, so County Fire assisted by providing transportation for deputies via Snowcats. When a standoff occurred in an Angelus Oaks cabin, County Fire provided suppression efforts as a fire raged. Wherever the Sheriff needed assistance, County Fire was ready and willing to jump to the plate. A hero was lost that day in the standoff and the pain of that loss extended to the County Fire family as the story unfolded. Detective Jeremiah MacKay, who gave his life that day, was the son of Alan (A.D.) MacKay, who recently retired from fire station 92 as a long time Fire Engineer. County Fire and all of the mountain community will forever remember the life of Jeremiah as a nearly 9 foot tall statue was erected in his honor in the Lake Arrowhead Village to serve as a reminder of his sacrifice. Parker Bridge Fire A new bridge under construction to replace the dilapidated Parker Bridge, which connects Earp California to Parker Arizona, caught fire on September 23 at 6:45 p.m. Most of the heavy timbers were in place for the concrete work that was to follow. The fire, which burnt for more than 24 hours, completely destroyed the wood frame work, causing more than $6 million in damage. San Bernardino County Fire was assisted by Parker Fire, Buckskin Fire, CRIT Fire, CalTrans and the Arizona Department of Transportation. The cause of the fire was ruled accidental and started during a welding and re-bar cutting operation. Ranchero Overpass Catches Fire The Ranchero and I-15 Bridge caught fire and partially collapsed on the afternoon of May 5, closing Interstate 15 in both directions, backing up traffic for miles and forcing a total demolition of the bridge. Suppression efforts were hampered at many points during the extended attack. Falling debris and ongoing collapses prevented crews from fighting the fire from beneath the structure. Once personnel pulled back out of the collapse zone, constant winds of 25 mph with 35 mph gusts kept hose streams from penetrating deep into the bridge and to the seat of the fire. These same winds contributed to the quick spread as flames were pushed through the construction area much like a wildland environment. Cause of the fire was determined to be from a rebar cutting operation in which blowtorches carried fire into the falsework of the bridge Off-Duty Firefighter to the Rescue On February 2, while enjoying the football game at The Yard House’s Town Square location in Las Vegas, a group of County firefighters noticed a commotion at an adjacent table. They quickly identified a 51 year old female having difficulty breathing. As a crowd began to develop, the firefighters stepped in and escorted the victim outside while asking the restaurant staff to call 911. Once outside, the female, who had initially been coughing, suffered a complete blockage of her airway. Recognizing this life-threatening situation ٙ