Please take the time to read the most recent press releases from HFD

For immediate release: 6/3/2010
HFD Recognized as a "100% Compliant" Department for the International Fire Service Seatbelt Pledge

Humboldt Fire District (HFD) was recently recognized as a 100% compliant fire department for the International Fire Service Seatbelt Pledge. HFD is one of only 23 recognized departments in the state of California and is the only recognized department north of the Bay Area. There are 791 100% compliant fire departments in the world.

To become a 100% seatbelt compliant fire department, HFD members signed a pledge swearing to always wear their seatbelts, in normal travel and on emergency calls, with no exceptions. The petition is then sent to local region's "Everyone Goes Home" representative for verification.

The International Fire Service Seatbelt Pledge originated from the death of Amarillo, Texas Fire Department Firefighter Brian Hunton on April 23rd, 2005. The 27 year old was killed while responding to an alarm when he fell out of the fire apparatus he was riding on. Brian was not wearing his seatbelt. Shortly thereafter family, friends, and fellow department members founded the pledge to raise awareness that in today's day and age firefighters were still being killed by a simple, preventable act. The 100% compliant list has not only includes fire departments from 49 of the 50 states (Vermont being the only U.S. state with no 100% compliant departments), but also fire departments from Canada, the U.K. and Australia.

Sadly to this day, vehicle accidents are one of the largest killers in the modern fire service. As with regular motor vehicle collisions, many of those deaths could be prevented with the simple act of clicking the seatbelt.

The signing of the pledge shows Humboldt Fire's commitment to safety and protecting our personnel and delivering needed service to our citizens. All personnel are required to be completely dressed in their protective gear and seat belted in to the apparatus prior to it moving. The pledge also includes any personnel driving smaller staff vehicles and not just fire apparatus.

Humboldt Fire District would also like to challenge our neighboring agencies to take the pledge as well. Information on the Seatbelt pledge can be found at http://www.trainingdivision.com/seatbeltpledge.asp . At that website, fire departments can download the petition and take it to their memberships to sign and eventually join HFD as a 100% compliant department. While traffic collisions are not always preventable, the wearing of seatbelts by all drivers greatly reduces the chance of injury or death. We at HFD feel the more of our brothers and sisters in the fire service that answer our challenge and commit to the pledge the safer and more effective we'll all be in protecting those we serve.

For immediate release: 5/13/2010
Humboldt Fire District Recognizes Its Own for Outstanding Service

Humboldt No.1 Fire Protection District recently recognized five of its members for outstanding service during the department's recent annual department dinner held April 24th, 2010.

Chief Ken Woods took great pleasure in awarding Fire Engineer Bret Banducci as Humboldt Fire District's Career Firefighter of the year for 2009 for the second year in a row. The recipient of this award is elected by their peers taking into account not only their day to day work for the department, but also their leadership, willingness to take on and accomplish special tasks and the example they set for their peers. Engineer Banducci has been with Humboldt Fire nearly eight years starting as a Volunteer Firefighter in 2002 and beginning his career service in 2005. In addition to his regular duties an Engineer, Bret is a charter member of the joint HFD/EFD/AFD Urban Search and Rescue Team, a First Aid/CPR Instructor, HFD's Wild Land Fire Training Officer, and was instrumental in the planning, design, and purchase of HFD's new Type III Fire Engine.

38 year Volunteer Art Pope was awarded HFD's Volunteer of the Year award at the same ceremony. Art is HFD's most senior member (both volunteer and career) and works in Fire Ground Support (otherwise known as Fire Police) performing tasks such as crowd and traffic control at fire scenes. Art, through his many years of dedication, consistent performance in response to incidents, and example he sets for all personnel was the clear-cut choice for the award. Art joined HFD in October of 1972.

Captain Chris Kemp received the 2009 Fire Chief's award. The recipient of this award is chosen solely by the Fire Chief to recognize an employee who consistently goes above in beyond in service to the Fire District. Captain Kemp was involved in many crucial projects to the Fire District such as acting as the coordinator for the newly forming Urban Search and Rescue Team as well as being the point person in obtaining the new Type II Urban Search and Rescue trailer from CAL E-M-A. Captain Kemp participated in many of the projects on his own time with no expense to the District. Captain Kemp joined HFD in 1986 as a Volunteer Firefighter and was hired full time in October of 1990.

Executive Secretary Kathi Hendricks was awarded the first ever "Local 1770 Award" given by the Firefighter's Union at HFD. This award is given to recognize an individual's contribution to helping the Firefighters represented by the Local 1770 as a friend of the Union. Kathi is widely recognized as the heart of HFD and provides a wide array of services. Kathi has been with HFD since May 9th, 1994.

Last but not least, Denise Woods received HFD Lady of the Year. The recipient of this award is chosen by thee HFD Ladies Auxiliary to recognize a member who has consistently gone above and beyond in service to not only HFD and the Auxiliary, but to the community at large as well. Denise was a shot of life to the Auxiliary and was instrumental in organizing many department events. She was also an active participant in all of HFD's charity events, such as helping with the Salvation Army's annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Food/Gift distribution events. Denise joined HFD in 2008 when her husband Ken Woods became the Fire Chief.

"All of Humboldt Fire District's employees are special and give much of themselves in service to the public," said Chief Ken Woods. "The awardees, however distinguished themselves as giving just that much more to stand out from the pack."

For immediate release: 5/7/2010
Humboldt Fire District Receives Type II Urban Search and Rescue Trailer and Equipment from the State of California

On May 6th, 2010 the Humboldt No.1 Fire Protection District received an Urban Search and Rescue trailer and equipment cache from the California Emergency Management Authority (CAL E-M-A). The delivery of this trailer marked the close of a yearlong process to bring the trailer to our area. This trailer is one of only 16 in the state of California. The funding for this trailer was provided to the state via grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Receipt of this trailer was free to Humboldt Fire District with the District now assuming the maintenance costs for the trailer and associated equipment.

The trailer is designed to equip specially trained Firefighters in a multitude of technical, heavy, and specialized rescue applications. From high angle rope rescue, to collapsed buildings, to trench and excavation rescue this new equipment greatly expands the capabilities of rescue personnel from natural disasters (such as the January 9th, 2010 earthquake) to man-made disasters.

The delivery of this trailer and equipment also marks the beginning of a joint Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Type II team consisting of members from the Humboldt Fire District, Eureka Fire Department, and the Arcata Fire Protection District as the sponsoring agencies. Each department is in the process of training eight personnel apiece (for a total of 24 personnel between the three agencies) in advanced rescue techniques in order to safely and efficiently uses the equipment in a wide variety of disaster settings. The extensive state certified training includes both Rescue Systems 1 and 2, Trench Rescue, and other types of specialized rescue. While the initial team will be made up of the three already listed agencies, the team will soon be expanding membership to include other Humboldt County departments as well as Cal-Fire.

This trailer is the only one of its kind on the North Coast, with the next closest being in Napa. In the event of a disaster or other large-scale heavy/technical rescue, this equipment and specially trained personnel would not only be available to our area, but could potentially provide service to surrounding counties. Delivery of this trailer and equipment marks a huge step in disaster preparedness and safety for North Coast residents. The eventual goal of CAL-EMA is to ensure that every location within the state of California is no more than two to three hours away from a USAR team.

The trailer will be stationed at the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds and positioned for immediate response.

Humboldt Fire District invites members of the press and public to stop by Humboldt Fire's Headquarters station located at 3455 Harris St. in Eureka to check out the new equipment and ask questions. Questions can also be answered by calling (707) 445-4900.

Humboldt Fire District responded to a reported Structure Fire at 8502 Elk River Rd. The address is approx ¼ mile from the Headwaters Trail on Elk River Rd and in an area with no fire hydrants. Humboldt Fire responded two engines and a 2000 gallon water tender and requested a water tender from Loleta Fire Mutual Aid. The first arriving engine reported a two story residential structure fully involved with fire and began a defensive attack. A water shuttle was established with the remaining engines and water tenders to supply water for the fire. Power lines were down in front of the residence and a 40 gallon propane tank exploded creating a small fire in the surrounding bush, which was quickly extinguished. No Firefighters were injured due to the propane tank exploding. The fire was controlled in about one hour and fire crews remained on scene for three more hours to investigate and completely extinguish the fire. The property owner was not at home at the time of fire and a neighbor called 911 to report the fire. The property owner arrived shortly after the fire crews were on scene.

The Humboldt No.1 Fire District responded to a report of a large amount of smoke in the area of South Bay Elementary School. Humboldt County Sheriff units on scene advised of a structure fire in the school. Humboldt Fire District and Eureka Fire units arrived on scene and attacked the fire that was also threatening a separate wing of classrooms. Fire units used hose lines to extinguish the fire and also ventilated the roof to stop the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. The fire was extinguished and confined to the original room of origin. As additional fire units arrived on scene they checked for further extension of the fire and found one more classroom with a small fire, which was subsequently extinguished. Humboldt Fire District units assisted by Loleta Fire Protection District remained on scene for several hours extinguishing hot spots and salvaging materials from the classrooms. The fire caused significant damage to one building, damaged a separate classroom and damaged a significant amount of computers and school supplies. The fires cause is suspicious and is currently under investigation.

Humboldt Fire District responded to a Structure Fire at 49 Fellman Rd in Freshwater. The first arriving HFD engine reported an approx. 600 sq ft. detached out building fully involved with fire threatening a large two story residential structure. HFD personnel placed two hose lines into operation protecting the two-story residence and extinguishing the fire in the outbuilding. The fire was controlled in 32 minutes with no damage sustained to the two-story residential structure. The fire heavily damaged the outbuilding and a vehicle parked next to the outbuilding. During overhaul operations firefighters discovered a marijuana grow inside a room of the outbuilding. The Humboldt County Sheriff was notified and responded to the fire scene. Firefighters ensured the fire was completely extinguished and HFD fire investigators arrived on scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Humboldt No.1 Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at 815 Pine Hill Rd. in the Pine Hill area. The first arriving engines found a vacant one story structure fully involved with fire with electrical lines down. Two additional companies, one from Humboldt District and one from the Eureka Fire Department assisted in fire suppression activities. Extinguishment efforts were performed in a defensive operation due to heavy fire conditions, instability of the structure and downed electrical wires. Fire crews were able to contain the fire to the structure of origin while protecting one adjacent detached building. Fire crews remained on scene for approximately two hours to fully extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire in undetermined and the fire is being investigated.

Humboldt Fire District was dispatched to report of a Structure Fire in the 5500 block of Paradise in the Humboldt Bay Mobile Estates. A large column of black smoke was visible from Humboldt Fire District Station 12 upon dispatch. The first arriving engine found a doublewide mobile home fully involved with fire with a neighboring residence threatened. A 1 ¾" hose line was extended to protect the neighboring residence. As more engines arrived on scene an interior attack was initiated but crews quickly exited the structure due to heavy fire conditions and a partial collapse of the roof structure. The fire was controlled from the exterior of the structure in approx. 30 min. Crews reentered the structure for overhaul operations and discovered a dog inside the residence that did not survive. The Humboldt Area Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to the single occupant of the residence. Humboldt Fire District crews remained on scene for approx 3 hours to conduct an investigation and ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

The Humboldt No.1 Fire District responded to a reported vehicle accident with extrication on SB Hwy 101 and Herrick Ave. The first arriving engine found an SUV on its roof blocking the fast lane of SB Hwy 101 with fuel actively leaking from the vehicle. SB Hwy 101 was immediately closed and remained closed throughout the incident. One occupant suffered major injuries and was trapped in the vehicle. It took Firefighters 20 minutes to extricate the occupant from the vehicle using "The Jaws of Life." A second occupant was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. A third occupant suffered minor injuries. Firefighters used Class "B" foam and absorbent to control the approximately 20 gallons fuel spill. HFD personnel remained on scene for 2 hours assisting CHP and Cal Trans with re-opening SB Hwy 101.

The Humboldt No.1 Fire District responded to a smoke investigation at South Bay Elementary School. It was reported that red smoke was seen coming from the playground area. The Humboldt County Sheriff also had reports of several building burglar alarm activations. Engine 8112 arrived to investigate and found a classroom in the center portion of the school fully involved in fire. A structure fire response was initiated bringing additional engine companies from the Humboldt No.1 Fire District and the City of Eureka to the school. The first engine on scene established a water supply and initiated an aggressive attack, knocking down the fire and confining it's spread to the classroom of origin. As additional fire units arrived on scene, additional hose lines were positioned and the fire was controlled and extinguished. Firefighters remained on scene performing overhaul and salvage operations for several hours. The school sustained significant damage to the building's roof structural members and the cause of the fire is currently undetermined. An investigation into the cause continues.

The fire burned the sub-floor area around the furnace. Furnace was found to have fallen below sub-floor space allowing fire to build and become deep seated within concealed spaces of the structure, moving vertically and extending into the attic space. Two Humboldt Fire District engine companies and three Eureka Fire Department engine companies worked aggressively to contain the fire from further structural damage.

Three engines and a water tender from Humboldt Fire District and EFD responded to a reported barn fire near the intersection of Elk River Rd and Pine Hill Ave. Upon arrival, engine companies found a 150' x 100' wood framed, metal roofed barn fully involved in fire. A short time after the arrival of the first engine company, the roof of the barn had collapsed. Mutual aid from neighboring towns of Loleta, Fortuna, and Ferndale Fire provided water tenders for a water supply. Crews had control of the fire within 30 minutes with full extinguishment expected by mid-morning on 9-04-07. Cause of fire is under investigation at this time.

HFD and EFD units were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 3782 Soule St. First arriving units reported a detached outbuilding fully involved in fire with an exposure of a residence under going renovation / rebuilding. Three engines and a total of 11 fire personnel contained the fire to the building of origin with minor damage to exposure. The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire, having suffered a previous structure fire (HFD incident # 07-1020 on 8-24-2007). The outbuilding was a complete loss. Cause of fire is under investigation.

Humboldt Fire District One and the Eureka Fire Department arrived to find a fully involved singlewide mobile home structure. Three engine companies, one water tender, two duty officers, totaled 14 fire personnel on scene. Firefighters efforts protected two residential structures from exposure and extinguished the fire building. The occupant of the involved mobile home perished in the fire. In an effort to help, two neighbors had minor injuries and were evaluated by EMS personnel on scene. No one was transported to the hospital.

Remarks: Humboldt Fire Dist. Engine 11 was dispatched to an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Walnut at Greenbriar Street. Upon arrival, HFD found two vehicles involved in a head on collision with one person requiring extrication. A total of two HFD engine companies and a HFD Duty Officer utilized the "Jaws of Life" to successfully extricate the victim. Total time to extricate the victim from time of arrival to completion was approximately 20 minutes. HFD Personnel assisted Advanced Life Support personnel from City Ambulance with patient care. Patient was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital Emergency Room. The California Highway Patrol responded to handle the traffic report. Two passengers from the second involved vehicle denied any injuries and declined patient care.

Remarks: Three engines (1 HFD, 2 EFD) and two duty officers (1 HFD, 1 EFD) were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 2328 Donna Drive in Humboldt Hill area of Eureka. First arriving units found a single story wood frame residential structure with smoke and flames coming from the rear of the structure. Units on scene were able to aggressively attack the fire and gain control within 15 minutes of arrival. The house sustained fire damage to the exterior, a bathroom, and several adjoining rooms. The house also suffered heavy smoke damage thoughout. Occupant/Owners were home at the time of the fire, but fortunately no civilians or fire personnel were injured. The fire is under investigation, but is believed that the fire started on the building's exterior and spread interior via a bathroom window. There are no suspicious circumstances regarding this fire.

Remarks: 3 Engines from Humboldt Fire District and City of Eureka responded to a structure fire located near the 1300 block of Santa Clara Street. Quick response and actions by fire crews confined the fire damage to the living room area of an unoccupied duplex. Fire officials believe the fire started in or around a vacuum cleaner.