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Wildfires are known to happen constantly in the state of California, and they affect all Californians in some way. Californians have learned to fear the destructive power of wildfires. The Station Fire of 2009 was a tragedy with lasting effects on the Los Angeles community. The fire was started by arsonist activities and eventually burned across 160,577 acres claiming 89 houses. Three weeks before the fire was started, a memo was filed that called for cuts to spending on fire response resources. The Station Fire serves as a perfect example of why fire defense spending in California should not be cut, but rather increased in order to protect the lives and property of Californians.
The flames endangered thousands of structures in nearby cities. The cities of La Canada Flintridge, Glendale, Acton, La Crescenta, Littlerock, Altadena, Sunland, and Tujunga (as seen on the above reference map) were all threatened by the Station Fire. Nevertheless, most of these areas were protected except for some the homes lost in Tujunga. The victims of home loss demanded an exploration of why budgeting concerns regarding fire safety existed. They felt that these cuts hindered the response of emergency personnel. It was found that some fire-fighting resources, such as a small helicopter, were withheld from the fight by the LA County Fire Department. Had the situation with funding been different, these resources could have helped reduce the total structure damage of the fire.
Air quality in the surrounding area was greatly affected by the Station Fire. Smoke advisories were published by The South Coast Air Quality Management District. A spokesman for the district stated that air quality in the foothill area was negatively affected. These areas are visible on the above themed map, illustrated by the digital elevation model data within a 10-mile buffer of the fire. Furthermore, the impact on the lives of school children only adds to the scope of the tragedy. Because the school year was starting as the fire died down, the bad air quality prevented young students from being allowed to go outside during recess. The map clearly illustrates several schools located within a 10-mile distance of the burn area. This area represents the likely highest concentration of smoke caused by the fire.
However, the most tragic aspect of the Station Fire has to be the deaths of two courageous firefighters. After the fire, the two men were honored at a memorial located at Dodger Stadium. Vice President Joe Biden spoke at the ceremonies honoring the bravery of these 2 men. 47-year-old Capt. Tedmund "Ted" Hall, and 35-year-old firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones lost their lives in the 2009 Station Fire. Sadly, each one left behind a family. The men were stationed at a backcountry camp for inmates training in environmentalism. When the fire started, they went out to search for a safe escape route for all those trapped inside the camp. It was then that their truck plunged 800 feet into a ravine and they died. It is important that we continue to honor and praise those who have died in wildfires.
In conclusion, because California is known to have many wildfires, I think we need to start funding more firefighting programs. The Station Fire is an example of why well-funded, fire-fighting programs are important, especially during California's fire season. Evacuations, air quality, and firefighter deaths were the primary areas where the community was affected. I hope that in the future legislators will learn from these events and make proper judgment calls to protect the property and lives of California's citizens from wildfires.
Works Cited
The flames endangered thousands of structures in nearby cities. The cities of La Canada Flintridge, Glendale, Acton, La Crescenta, Littlerock, Altadena, Sunland, and Tujunga (as seen on the above reference map) were all threatened by the Station Fire. Nevertheless, most of these areas were protected except for some the homes lost in Tujunga. The victims of home loss demanded an exploration of why budgeting concerns regarding fire safety existed. They felt that these cuts hindered the response of emergency personnel. It was found that some fire-fighting resources, such as a small helicopter, were withheld from the fight by the LA County Fire Department. Had the situation with funding been different, these resources could have helped reduce the total structure damage of the fire.
Air quality in the surrounding area was greatly affected by the Station Fire. Smoke advisories were published by The South Coast Air Quality Management District. A spokesman for the district stated that air quality in the foothill area was negatively affected. These areas are visible on the above themed map, illustrated by the digital elevation model data within a 10-mile buffer of the fire. Furthermore, the impact on the lives of school children only adds to the scope of the tragedy. Because the school year was starting as the fire died down, the bad air quality prevented young students from being allowed to go outside during recess. The map clearly illustrates several schools located within a 10-mile distance of the burn area. This area represents the likely highest concentration of smoke caused by the fire.
However, the most tragic aspect of the Station Fire has to be the deaths of two courageous firefighters. After the fire, the two men were honored at a memorial located at Dodger Stadium. Vice President Joe Biden spoke at the ceremonies honoring the bravery of these 2 men. 47-year-old Capt. Tedmund "Ted" Hall, and 35-year-old firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones lost their lives in the 2009 Station Fire. Sadly, each one left behind a family. The men were stationed at a backcountry camp for inmates training in environmentalism. When the fire started, they went out to search for a safe escape route for all those trapped inside the camp. It was then that their truck plunged 800 feet into a ravine and they died. It is important that we continue to honor and praise those who have died in wildfires.
In conclusion, because California is known to have many wildfires, I think we need to start funding more firefighting programs. The Station Fire is an example of why well-funded, fire-fighting programs are important, especially during California's fire season. Evacuations, air quality, and firefighter deaths were the primary areas where the community was affected. I hope that in the future legislators will learn from these events and make proper judgment calls to protect the property and lives of California's citizens from wildfires.
Works Cited
Bloomekatz, Ari B. "Air Quality Back to Normal in L.A. Basin - Los Angeles Times." Featured Articles From The Los Angeles Times. 15 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
"Firefighters Honor 2 Comrades Killed in 'Station Fire' - KTLA." Los Angeles News and Video for Southern California - KTLA.COM - KTLA 5 - KTLA. 4 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
"InciWeb the Incident Information System: Station Fire News Release." InciWeb the Incident Information System: Current Incidents. 8 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
Pringle, Paul. "Before the Station Fire, a Cost-cutting Memo - Los Angeles Times." Featured Articles From The Los Angeles Times. 2 Oct. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
Song, Jason. "Another Wildfire Victim: Outdoor Recess - Los Angeles Times." Featured Articles From The Los Angeles Times. 4 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
"Station Fire Over La Cañada Flintridge Threatens Thousands Of Homes - Cbs2.com." CBS 2 - KCAL 9 - Los Angeles - Southern California - LA Breaking News, Weather, Traffic, Sports - Cbs2.com. 30 Aug. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
"Firefighters Honor 2 Comrades Killed in 'Station Fire' - KTLA." Los Angeles News and Video for Southern California - KTLA.COM - KTLA 5 - KTLA. 4 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
"InciWeb the Incident Information System: Station Fire News Release." InciWeb the Incident Information System: Current Incidents. 8 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
Pringle, Paul. "Before the Station Fire, a Cost-cutting Memo - Los Angeles Times." Featured Articles From The Los Angeles Times. 2 Oct. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
Song, Jason. "Another Wildfire Victim: Outdoor Recess - Los Angeles Times." Featured Articles From The Los Angeles Times. 4 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
"Station Fire Over La Cañada Flintridge Threatens Thousands Of Homes - Cbs2.com." CBS 2 - KCAL 9 - Los Angeles - Southern California - LA Breaking News, Weather, Traffic, Sports - Cbs2.com. 30 Aug. 2009. Web. 27 May 2010.
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