Fire

Los Alamos Boy Scout James Cassel Retires More Than 100 American Flags To Complete Eagle Project

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Los Alamos Boy Scout James Cassel and his team fold a flag in preparation for its disposal during a special Flag Retirement Ceremony at 10 a.m. today at Fire Station #2 on DP Road. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
 
A firefighter helps the scouts hoist a large flag onto the flames. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
 
Scout James Cassel, center, reads a poem honoring the flags to be retired as members of his team look on. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
 
By BONNIE J. GORDON
Los Alamos Daily Post
bjgordon@ladailypost.com

Los Alamos Boy Scout James Cassel Read More

Project Heart Start: Crash Course In Saving A Life … Three Sessions At Fuller Lodge Saturday June 15

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Scene of a Project Heart Start training session. Courtesy/New Mexico Heart Institute Foundation

LAFD News:

For the 6th year in a row, the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) is offering a free Project Heart Start course.

The community is invited to attend one of three sessions starting at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15 at Fuller Lodge and learn to save a life in 30 minutes.

Because 70-80 percent of cardiac arrests occur in the home, it is important to learn CPR. Children as young as elementary school age have provided CPR that saved a family member.

LAPD also teaches a hands only CPR class Read More

McQuiston: How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

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By ALLEN MCQUISTON
The Jemez Agency

You should know exactly how to use a fire extinguisher in the event a fire develops and you feel you are safely able to fight it.

Before you are faced with the need to use one, be sure you have the right type of fire extinguisher on hand. It is recommended that only those trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers consider using them when appropriate.

Attack the Fire Using the PASS Method:

  • Pull the pin – by pulling the pin, the operating lever should unlock and allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
  • Aim low – point the extinguisher hose/nozzle at the base of the
Read More

Rescued Hiker: I’ll Never Forget First Responders Care

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Los Alamos first responders rescue local hiker Dwight Klotz Thursday, May 23 by hoisting him on the back of one of the responders up from the floor of the lower waterfall about six miles from White Rock. Courtesy/Dwight Klotz
 
By DWIGHT KLOTZ
Los Alamos

I was recently the subject of a rescue from a canyon not too far from the Bandelier National Park area, specifically on State Road 4 about six miles south of White Rock. 

I have searched for a way to let the rescue teams, police, 911, helicopter and private plane that passed over on that night know that I very much appreciated their professional Read More

Smoke In The Jemez

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VALLES CALDERA News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS – Valles Caldera National Preserve initiated prescribed burn projects beginning last Thursday and may continue over the next couple of weeks, dependent upon suitable weather and fuel conditions.

The prescribed burns are taking place within a 630-acre project area in Banco Bonito and a 112-acre area on Cerro Seco. Both locations are within the western half of the preserve.

The burn operations will be completed within a 3- to 10-day period. Brief traffic delays may occur during this time but are not expected to cause road closures or disrupt visitor activities Read More

Hydrant Testing Begins Next Week Through August

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COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) will be testing fire hydrants throughout Los Alamos County starting next week and activity will be continuing through August.

The purpose of hydrant testing is to ensure that they will provide an adequate water supply for fire suppression and to flush out sediments that have accumulated in the water distribution system over the past year.

These tests are part of the regular hydrant maintenance program and are done in conjunction with the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU).  Residents will see LAFD firefighters and vehicles Read More

On The Job In Los Alamos: With Volunteers Of Los Alamos Fire Brigade Search And Rescue

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On the job in Los Alamos are Melisa Thurgood and Tom Houlton who volunteer for the Los Alamos Fire Brigade Search and Rescue. The volunteers spend countless hours at sporting and special events providing assistance and rescues throughout the county. Thurgood and Houlton each have more than 25 years of service with the Los Alamos Fire Brigade. Learn more about the Los Alamos Fire Brigade here. #worklosalamos #wherediscoveriesaremade. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com Read More

Abandoned Campfires Down 64 Percent From 2018

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Courtesy/USDA

USDA News:

SANTA FE – Fire prevention staff on the Santa Fe National Forest found approximately 30 abandoned campfires over the three-day Memorial Day weekend.

Still too many, Deputy Fire Staff Officer Terrance Gallegos said, but a big improvement over the 84 abandoned campfires found over the same weekend in 2018.

The 64 percent drop in abandoned campfires – the leading human cause of wildfire – may be attributable to a concerted effort by the forest’s fire prevention team to teach visitors how to properly extinguish a campfire.

SFNF staff hand out brochures and post flyers at Read More

Prescribed Burn Near Penasco Begins Wednesday

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Prescribed burn begins Wednesday in the Copper Hill area west of Penasco. Courtesy photo

 

SFNF News:

 

SANTA FE – The Burn Team is working closely with the New Mexico Land Office and other partners to reduce hazardous fuels and restore forests and woodlands in the Copper Hill area west of Penasco.

 

Depending on weather and site conditions, the team will mobilize and begin burning May 29 through June 1.

 

Smoke may be visible from Picuris Pueblo, Penasco, Ojo Sarco, Dixon, Taos and surrounding areas. Smoke may settle into lower elevations Read More