DIVISION 2
cancer research. Company 301 from Hesperia showed its support
for 31 teams comprising 342 participants who raised a total of
$67,000. Many of us in the fire service have been affected by
cancer, and we are committed to supporting the cause.
LABOR REP. ERIC SPIES
BY: TRAVIS GRAPES
RANCHERO INCIDENT
The last few months in Division 2 have been
active to say the least. The city of Hesperia
suffered a devastating setback on May 5 when
flames sparked by a construction worker’s
torch burned down the I-15 Ranchero overpass
project. First arriving County Fire units reported a
well-established fire in the concrete forms. With
multiple alarms struck, firefighters were met by
many challenges, including sustained 25-35 mph
winds, long turnaround times for water, and the
threat of total collapse. Firefighters maintained
a defensive attack for several hours before the
blaze was brought under control. Eleven Fire
Companies, six water tenders, one brush patrol
and an inmate hand crew worked tirelessly during
the fight. Unified command with the California
Highway Patrol and Cal Trans was established
and maintained throughout the incident. The
freeway was closed for several hours while the
cleanup was underway. Over a month later, the
bridge is still being rebuilt. Once complete, this
overpass will serve as a vital east-west artery for
high desert residents. Also, having a completed
Ranchero Road will significantly decrease
respo