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OC Firefighters News | June 2021 | View as Webpage
June 8, 2021
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In an effort to keep you up to date on the latest local, statewide, and federal fire issues, OC Firefighters send out monthly news clippings. This newsletter will help inform you about very important fire-related matters.

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American Red Cross 2021 Disaster Services Hero Award: Orange County Fire Authority
In 2020, Orange County witnessed one of its worst wildfire seasons. Thanks to the Orange County Fire Authority, no lives were lost during any of the devastating fires – including the Blue Ridge Fire, Bond Fire and Silverado Fire. In a time of uncertainty amid the pandemic, OCFA firefighters continued to adapt with new COVID-19 protocols and a steadfast determination to save life and property. In addition to responding to fires and medical calls, OCFA assisted the Orange County Health Care Agency with the rollout of Super Point of Dispensing (POD) sites, capable of administering 7,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses per eight-hour day.
Recreational Vehicle Fire Injures Two People
OC Firefighters responded to an emergency call of an RV well involved in flames which had spread to two adjacent parked cars. A female was critically burned and rushed to the hospital while a male individual also suffered burns. 
Auto Shop Fire Threatens Buena Park Industrial Complex
Several units of a Buena Park industrial strip were threatened early Monday when a fire erupted in an auto shop, Orange County Fire Authority reported. Firefighters arrived at the scene just after midnight in the 8600 block of Roland Street, according to OCFA Capt. Greg Barta.
Video courtesy of County News
Commercial Fire in Garden Grove
OC Firefighters battled a commercial structure fire in the City of Garden Grove. Access was difficult due to security measures, but Firefighters quickly overcame those obstacles and mounted a successful offensive position.
Slow-Moving Brush Fire Burning Near Windy Ridge In Irvine
Dozens of firefighters are on the scene of a brush fire in Tustin near Windy Ridge. The blaze was reported at 3:35 a.m. at the 241 Toll Road, just south of Irvine Park. The Orange County Fire Authority says 60 firefighters are on the scene, and that they have managed to keep the fire to one acre.
3 Rescued From I-5 Rollover Crash At Alton Parkway Wednesday
Orange County Fire Authority firefighters rescued three people trapped in an overturned SUV late Wednesday, officials reported. A white SUV crashed and overturned on the I-5 through Lake Forest at 10 p.m., according to an OCFA spokesperson. Firefighters from the Irvine station raced to the scene to find three people trapped inside the vehicle.
Arson suspect arrested in Pacific Palisades fire
An arson investigation into the Pacific Palisades fire, which started late Friday, has led to the arrest of a suspect, authorities said Monday. Los Angeles County and city firefighting units received help from neighboring Ventura County Fire Department, Malibu Search and Rescue and Orange County Fire Authority, as well as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Firefighter Saves Trapped Kitten From Catastrophe
A Santa Ana, Calif. kitten used one of its nine lives after its head became trapped in a piece of furniture, but the feline was spared from further harm by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).
Orange County Fire Authority Board Raises Budget Concerns
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) board of directors postponed approving its annual budget after “very serious concerns” emerged during a May 27 budget hearing. Unanswered questions about some of the items in the proposed 2021–22 fiscal budget prompted the board to postpone its approval until its next meeting.
California Prepares for a Drought—But Orange County Says It’s Ready
Officials throughout California are preparing for another crippling drought throughout the state—but officials in Orange County say they are ready. After two years of below-average precipitation levels, fears of devastating wildfires loom on the horizon. The ground throughout the state has become parched, threatening vegetation and daily life.
OCFA Recruit Training
OCFA instructors conduct building construction lectures and walks with new recruits in Santa Ana. Pictured above are recruits observing pre-1933 construction and identifying special hazards.
Submitted by Jeff Hughes, OC Firefighters Local 3631 Wellness Agent
 
Last month was National Mental Health Awareness Month. To help break the stigma of mental or behavioral health, the California Professional Firefighters created a Behavioral Health and Suicide Awareness Safety Stand Down and asked all the fire departments in the State to participate.
 
Firefighting is the second most stressful occupation, only after combat soldiers! Firefighters think about suicide or attempt suicide at a rate ten times the rate for the public. Also, national surveys suggest that nearly one in three Firefighters has considered suicide, and since 2017 more firefighters have committed suicide than have died from a traumatic line of duty death!
 
Preventing suicide in the fire service starts with each and every one of us checking in on our own, having the uncomfortable conversations and opening the door to breaking the stigma that speaking up is a weakness. Make a concerted effort to set aside time to conduct exercises and initiate a conversation on mental wellness.
 
The OCFA has resources that can help! It’s up to us to be proactive with our people rather than reactive, especially when a matter that could have been addressed early is now a big issue, and success and positive long-term outcomes are harder to achieve.
 
FIRESTRONG.ORG and the OCFA Wellness App are the easiest way to find resources for a friend or member in need (or for yourself). One click to find peer support team members, OCFA chaplains, or contact information for the Counseling Team International. Lose the stigma and offer help to a friend or coworker who might need it!
 
Click or scan the QR code below to download the OCFA Wellness App:

THIS MESSAGE WAS CREATED BY JIMMY BLACKMAN & ASSOCIATES.
For more information about Blackman & Associates, visit www.jimmyblackman.com