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 ٙ