A few Southern California fire chiefs are responding to budget and weather concerns by trying to rethink long-standing public safety policies on ordering mass evacuations in a wildfire. The so-called "Stay and Defend" policy is drawing fire from labor and management.
A firefighter cutting fire lines overnight was airlifted out of the LA County mountains this morning, as the battle continues against the deadly Station Fire. Nine other firefighters have been injured fighting the 157,000 acre blaze, which is now the 10th largest since 1932. Two firefighters have lost their lives battling the fire, which is now 56% contained, but still active and dangerous
Firefighters are earning horn-tooting, sign-waving thanks from grateful Santa Barbara County residents for saving hundreds of homes in the sprawling Jesusita Fire. Area firefighters returned the complement, pointing to diligent advance preparation and early evacuation as critical to their success. More than 3,000 first responders have responded to the blaze, which has charred some 9,000 acres and is currently 80 percent contained.
Most working Californians see the current economic crisis as a challenge to be met with shared sacrifice, tough choices and resilience. A few, however, take a more cynical view - they see our collective struggle as an opportunity to score a political victory. This cynicism is at the heart of a renewed attack on your retirement security.
The current economic tsunami is hitting California's fire service as never before. Your local union is fighting on multiple fronts to protect your interests, whether it's at the negotiating table, the halls of local government or the court of public opinion. As part of our collective mission to support those who work on your behalf, CPF and IAFF this summer hosted a series of one-day workshops to give your local leaders the tools to help them fight back.