When a Firefighter Dies

Monday August 31, 2009

WHEN A FIREFIGHTER DIES


Today I can't be funny, humorous, or even witty. Yesterday 2 firefighters lost their lives while fighting the California wildfires. My heart is heavy. Fire Capt. Telmund Hall, 47, of San Bernardino County, and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo Quinones, 35, of Palmdale, died after their vehicle rolled down a mountainside. They were trying to escape the intense flames of the wildfire they had been battling.

I didn't know these men but still I mourn their loss because I have known men like them. I have seen them in action during many emergencies. They are at their best when conditions are at their worst. These are the type of people who run towards danger when everyone else is running away. We do not have enough of these individuals on this earth. When a firefighter dies it is a loss to us all. My condolences to the Hall and Quinones families.

Also my sincere sympathy to all the firefighters who were a different type of family to these men. I know you hurt and the day will come when you will need to grieve for your firefighter brothers. Today is not that day. There is still a massive wildfire blazing out of control and you have to go back into the heat, smoke, and danger to battle it. This is what we need for you to do to keep us safe. This is what your fallen brothers would want you to do.


I will end this blog by listing actions you can do to help firefighters during an actual fire emergency. I first posted these on the August 14, 2009 blog but they are worth reading again.

STAY INFORMED
Keep a battery powered radio turned on for the latest emergency information

DON'T FEED THE FIRE
Remove anything close to the outside of your house which could fuel the fire
(example: bring in outside furniture)

Remove or open your curtains

Push any upholstered furniture away from windows and glass doors

Turn off the air conditioning

TAKE ACTIONS WHICH WILL HELP IN FIGHTING THE FIRE
If you have a ladder which reaches the roof you should put it in place

fill up a bathtub and some other containers with water

since smoke reduces visibility you should keep a light turned on in each room

close your doors and windows but don't lock them

EVACUATE BEFORE CONDITIONS BECOME DANGEROUS
secure pets for easy transport

disable electric garage doors so they can be opened manually

back your car into your driveway and keep the car keys on your body

There is more evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com