of a staple in the area, Jensen’s has been around for a long
time and is known in the community as a great neighborhood
grocery store with a delicious deli. The building itself is
actually a historical landmark. Several resources were
dispatched and within minutes, the first in engine was on
scene.
LABOR REP. JARED NEWCOMER
KATHLEEN OPLIGER DIVISION CHIEF
BY: JARED NEWCOMER
PINNACLES HOIST RESCUE
When the weather is permitting, rock climbers flock to the
natural landscape of Division 4. One popular spot in particular
is known as the pinnacles. Broadly speaking, the Pinnacles is
the area of jagged rock formations between Lake Arrowhead
and Hesperia. Some weekends there will be droves of
climbers in the area, each trying to test their skill to make it to
the top. As is common knowledge, though, there is no hobby
without its inherent risks.
Division 4 received a 911 call for an injured climber midday
on an otherwise normal shift. Initial reports were inconsistent,
but the location was confirmed to be the Pinnacles climbing
area with an alleged fall of greater than 20 feet. The captains
responding recognized the major resource need from the
beginning, and started additional units, including Air Rescue
06 for a potential hoist. Stations 92 and 94 hiked in and were
able to locate the injured party. A severe traumatic injury
to a lower extremity confirmed the need for a hoist. Due to
many challenges out of human control, the timeframe was
extended. Yet through a coordinated effort by all personnel on
scene, a successful hoist was performed and the patient was
transported by air to a trauma center.
Flight Paramedic Eric Sherwin monitors the tagline
during a hoist rescue in the Pinnacles.
Alas, the call was not done yet. The patient’s child, friends, and half
a dozen suppression personnel still had to make the hike out. The
incident commander knew there was limited water on scene, so
County Fire’s very own professional hand crew was requested for
support, as they were in the area. The patient’s family and friends
were elated to see Crew 6-1 equipped with cold water and cheerful
motivation to continue on. From there, the rest of the hike seemed
like no big deal. Once again, County Fire delivered exceptional
customer service even after the emergency services were deemed
complete.
ROLSTON FAREWELL
Captain Jeremy Lindsay and
Engineer Jason Rolston on his last
shift at County Fire.
As a rule, the fire service enjoys a
very high retention rate. This is why
it is surprising when one of our own
leaves for another department,
especially when that particular
employee can be described as
exceptional. County Fire bid
farewell to that employee recently.
Jason Rolston decided to accept
a position with the Orange County
Fire Authority last month. His last
position with County Fire was an
Engineer at Station 26 in Twin
Peaks. As a Tower 1 graduate, he
had nearly eight years of career
service with SBCoFD. When asked
how he feels about leaving, he
states, “I will miss all of the people I worked with here the most.” As
is usually the case with such a difficult decision, the life and future
of Jason’s family align more with a different organization and a
different location. It is for that reason we wish to extend a farewell
and good luck to Jason. Thank you for your service, and we wish
you the best.
JENSEN’S COMMERCIAL FIRE
20 FIREWIRE | VOL.4
Early in the morning of August 13th, residents of Lake Arrowhead
called in multiple reports of a fire at the Jensen’s market at the
corner of Hook Creek Road and state highway 173. Somewhat
Upon arrival, ME91 reported heavy fire and requested a
second alarm due to the heavy fire, potential for growth, and
immediate danger to two adjacent businesses. Luckily, the
Captain ordered an aggressive attack utilizing the deck gun
on top of the fire engine, which extinguished much of the fire
within minutes. As more units arrived on scene an aggressive
and coordinated interior fire attack mitigated the incident.
In all, 22 firefighters safely and aggressively contained the
fire to one building. Most of the building was saved, as were
the adjacent businesses. With some repair, this historical
landmark will be able to stand another day.
FOREST FALLS MUDSLIDES
The Aug. 3 mudslide incidents described in Division 1 news
affected Division 4 as well, as an afternoon downpour set
loose a series of heavy mud and debris slides through the
community of Forest Falls. The storm caused extensive
damage and temporarily marooned upwards of two thousand
residents and visitors.
While the same storm caused flooding that led to the death
of one motorist in Mt Baldy, within Forest Falls there were
ultimately no injuries reported. Following is a recap of the
incident:
At approximately 3pm on Aug. 3, San Bernardino County
Fire received reports of heavy rain causing flash floods and
mudslides, threatening homes, vehicles and pedestrians in
the small mountain community in the eastern San Bernardino
mountains.
Responding crews arrived on scene to find the debris slides
had washed out Valley of the Falls Drive—the only road
leading into and out of town—in several places, initially
keeping rescuers from reaching the stranded. A “shelter in
place” order was placed, meaning those in the way of harm
were asked not to evacuate or venture into the flood but
instead stay in a sturdy structure or vehicle until the waters
subsided enough for rescuers to get to them.
Captain Glen Bales and Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Swingle perform
Urban Search and Rescue duties during the Forest Falls Flooding
Photo Credit: David Dickinson
DIVISION 4
Engineer/Paramedic Ryan Beckers , Firefighter Steve Houston and members of
station 99 prepare a patient to be hoisted by Air Rescue near Big Falls.
Front e