Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) - What's The Big Deal?

The La Habra Heights Fire Department recently conducted several "Interoperability" Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) drills with a dozen other local fire departments. These drill are critical to the successful management of any fire that threatens La Habra Heights. Below is an excerpt from an article describing the challenges faced by all cities faced with fighting fires in a WUI environment.

The Sand fire burns out of control along near Acton, California, on Sunday.

          

"Southern California is on fire again. The Sand fire in the Santa Clarita Valley mountains north of Los Angeles has burned 38,873 acres, destroyed at least 18 homes and taken one life. Smoke from the fire created what the LA Times referred to as an “apocalyptic haze” around Los Angeles County and a scorch mark it left behind was clearly visible in images from NASA’s Landsat satellite. On Tuesday, the acting governor of California, Tom Torlakson, declared a state of emergency in the county, declaring that the fire is “likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of any single local government.”

 

What distinguishes the Sand fire isn’t its size..."

 

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Ella Koeze is a visual journalist for FiveThirtyEight



Los Angeles County Fire Conducts Wildland Fire Training in La Habra Heights

On June 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th, from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the La HabraHeights, Los Angeles County, and other local fire departments will be conducting wildland firefighter training on the west side of La Habra Heights. Residents may see a large commitment of fire apparatus, including helicopters operating in the area.

Over the past few months, the La Habra Heights Fire Department has been hosting joint Wildland Firefighter training in La Habra Heights with other local fire departments. This training improves our preparedness, interoperability and communications that will be used successfully mitigate emergencies and save lives and property.

La Habra Heights Firefighters Learn About the Fatal "Hacienda Fire" in 1955

During our recent Wildland Training, La Habra Heights firefighters were given a history lesson on the dangers of wildland firefighting as well as how these tragic events shape future firefighting tactics and safety procedures.

On September 2, 1955, Los Angeles County Fire Captain Glenn E. Rockey was killed on this La Habra Heights hillside during the "Hacienda Fire". The fire also took the lives of five young members of the Los Angeles County Probation Forestry Camp 5-1, and severely burned seven others.  Fire investigators mark the spots where some of the men were killed. (Los Angeles County Fire Department Historical Archives)

Almost 57 years after he was killed, the heroic efforts of Captain Glenn E. Rockey to save the lives of other Firefighters was finally recognized.  Los Angeles County 2012 Valor Awards: 
  

Firefighter Paramedic Job Opportunities

The City of La Habra Heights Fire Department is currently accepting applications for Part-time Paid Firefighter Paramedics. This position is not an auxiliary or additional Firefighter on duty. This is a Firefighter Paramedic position assigned to an engine company responding to 911 calls.

The La Habra Heights Fire Department is comprised of 100+ personnel, providing Fire and Paramedic 911 services to the community. La Habra Heights is a community of residential homes in rolling hills and valleys. The La Habra Heights Fire Department is the primary 911 provider for the city and surroundings auto/mutual aid areas.

Firefighter Paramedics work an average of one 24 hour shift per week (0630-0630), with an opportunity to work additional shifts. They perform the duties of a Firefighter Paramedic on an engine company. Firefighter Paramedics currently receive $10 per hour, and are limited to working 960 hours per year. Firefighter Paramedics are not eligible for city benefits.

Minimum Qualifications for Firefighter Paramedic:
- Completion of a CA state certified Firefighter I academy within the last 3 years or FF1 certification.
- Hold a current certification as a paramedic in ALS through the State of CA with Accreditation in Los Angeles County as an EMT-Paramedic within 30 days of the date of hire.
- Current CPAT or Biddle.
- Have a valid CA Class C Driver’s License and are able to complete a Firefighter Endorsement within 1 year of employment (Preference given to OSFM Driver/ Operator certified).
- Must have a satisfactory driving record clear of misdemeanor convictions and have no felony convictions.
- Able to work an assigned shift; averaging 24 hours per week.

Applications will be accepted on a continual basis for openings that arise throughout the year. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews when positions open.
If you feel you are qualified, please e-mail a completed city application found at (www.lhhcity.org), resume, list of certifications, and cover letter to humanresources@lhhcity.org.