Marin Firefighter News

 More than 1,000 uniformed firefighters, family members and dignitaries from throughout California gathered this weekend to pay tribute to those who gave their lives to protect the lives and property of Californians. In a solemn ceremony featuring honor guards and the traditional pipe and drum salute, 82 firefighters who fell in the line of duty – some from as far back as 1899 – were added to the California Firefighters Memorial.

This past Sunday marked Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s bill-signing deadline for 2009. Among the bills approved was CPF legislation -- five years in the making -- that won firefighters and many other injured workers the right to see their own doctor when injured on the job.  

Earthquakes. Fires. Floods. For Fresno's senior citizens, these are just a few disasters that can strike at any moment and Fresno Firefighters Local 753 has launched its latest program to reach this vulnerable community with disaster preparedness help. The program was created by the California Fire Foundation, which brings public service announcements and evacuation planning materials to elderly individuals.

Fire investigators working with Vallejo are probing whether that city's bankruptcy-related cutbacks may have contributed to fire deaths. A weekend blaze that killed a woman and her daughter happened within the coverage area of one of two closed fire stations, reportedly causing a delay of one to two minutes in response. Area residents say the delayed response to the fire is typical of the eroded fire protection since the city closed two fire stations.

More than 1,700 firefighters continue to make headway in the Sheep Fire, located in the San Gabriel Mountains. Calmer winds and colder temperatures helped aid firefighters Tuesday, as new record low temperatures were set in the region, specifically in Lake Arrowhead, Lancaster and LAX Airport. The fire is 75 percent contained and full containment is expected by Saturday.