Santa Claus’ job is not as easy as it looks. An 11-year-old Woodlake boy learned this lesson the hard way when he decided to take a cue from the jolly one after his family locked themselves out of their house one recent summer day. Instead of sailing down the chute with a twinkle in his eye, he spent hours stuck in the hot, sooty chimney.

Mathew McCammon and his family were in the process of painting the inside of their West Delta Street house in August when, in the chaos of painting, they discovered that they had locked themselves out. As they tried to figure out a way to get into the house, Matt decided to climb onto the roof and go down the chimney.

“I told him not to, that he was just going to get stuck. But he did it anyway,” said Roger Philpot, Matt’s stepfather. Matt, known to family members as a kid with a mind of his own, went down head first to unlock the house and save the day.

“I looked up and all I saw was his feet going down the chimney,” said Matt’s mother, Chrissy Philpot. “I could hear him through the sliding glass door. I yelled at him to see if he was OK and at first he said yes. Then he cried back saying ‘Mom, I’m not all right, I’m stuck.’ That’s when I panicked and called 911.”

To the Rescue

Woodlake City Fire Department got the call and found Matt’s family outside the home waiting for them to arrive. After they got into the house, they found young Matt stuck just above the damper in the chimney. They called for additional units, including Visalia Fire Department’s Confined Space Rescue Team along with Tulare County fire units.

Woodlake fire personnel talked to Matt and found that he was in good condition. Woodlake Fire Chief Jose Perez said, “I asked him if he was breathing OK, if he was hurt. He said ‘no,’ that it was just hot.”

He had managed to turn around so his head was up and his feet were down, but his legs were crumpled under him. Fire crews on the roof lowered a fire helmet down to protect the boy from falling debris and further injuries, while firefighters on the inside of the home supplied him with bottled water through the damper vent.

Crews considered pulling the young boy back up the chimney using a tripod and pulley system, but decided it was safer to make a hole in the chimney wall where Matt was stuck. They started drilling at the interior wall of the fireplace, in an effort to remove the bricks one by one until they could see him.

Visalia firefighters set up a tripod on the roof to lower a harness down to Matt to help lift him just enough to take some pressure off his legs.

Inside, firefighters were now equipped with a powerful air chisel provided by Visalia Fire Dept. The air chisel allowed them to power through the bricks quickly opening up a hole big enough to see Matt’s shoes. After giving Matt a fresh bottle of water, they removed more bricks and a short time later, with help from Woodlake Fire Engineer Alex Reynoso and Visalia Fire Captain Rob Henry, Matt crawled out of the gaping hole and into the living room, covered from head to toe in black soot. He had been trapped in the chimney for more than two hours.

Scrapes and Bruises

Exeter Ambulance members Paramedic Tony Simonian and EMT Randaln Maya quickly evaluated Matt and, finding no major injuries, handed the boy over to his mother. Reunited, mom accompanied Matt as he was transported to Kaweah Delta Medical Center for treatment of scrapes and bruises.

Relatives said that Matt was told not to climb down the chimney but he has always had a mind of his own. Even so, “I was shocked when I found out,” said Helen Fairchild, Matt’s grandmother. “I never thought my grandbaby would do something like this.”

Matt wasn’t about to let his frightening ordeal or banged up shoulders and elbows keep him down long. The next day he joined his friends as the school year got underway, bringing a harrowing tale about his summer vacation.

Matt is now known on campus as the boy who got stuck in the chimney. He says he learned his lesson and that he won’t be doing that again. He’s lucky to have gotten out with just a few scrapes. This type of incident does not often end this well. Thanks for his rescue go to the fire personnel who did such a tremendous job rescuing Matt. Woodlake Fire Department’s quick response, making entry and contacting Matt, along with calling for specialized units was key to his timely rescue.

“I think he really learned his lesson with this,” said his mom. “At least I hope he did.”

One thing Matt surely gained is a new appreciation of St. Nick and his Christmas delivery method.

• I love looking at the great pictures and talking about the articles with my mom. I also like looking for Rodger Dat.—Jill Gostanian, 7^th Grade, Green Acres
• I like reading Valley Response Magazine because it feels like reading People Magazine except it’s local stuff that is more serious than celebrity drama.—Jenna Low, 5^th Grade, Linwood Elementary
• Some reasons that I like Valley Response Magazine are: I like looking at all of the cool pictures. I also like to read about all the stuff going on in our Valley but not having to be involved in it myself. It’s fun to keep up on what’s new in our local communities. And all of my grandpas were in law enforcement and the fire department, so it’s neat to think if they were still working it could be one of them in the pictures.—Grant Gordon, 6^th Grade, Royal Oaks
• I like Valley Response Magazine because it is full of facts. I like how the stories are real life.—Cooper Allen, 6^th Grade, Royal Oaks
• I think kids should read Valley Response Magazine because it has emergency situations and it has local things, not things all over the world. I like the magazine because I like to know what’s going on in our city and what to do in emergency situations.—Wyatt Allen, 5^th Grade, Royal Oaks

I like Valley Response Magazine because of the cool pictures and I like the hospital stories because my mom is a nurse. And it’s neat to see people helping people. And it’s super fun to look for Rodger Dat.—Alyssa Castillo, 7^th Grade

Fall is undoubtedly my favorite season of the year. I love the changing color of the leaves, the cooler nights and shorter days, and the ending of summer and the beginning of new routines. Perhaps heavily influenced by my mom who is also an autumn enthusiast, I enjoy the new line up of fall-themed inventory at the grocery store—pumpkin breads and pies, Halloween candy, pumpkins and gourds, and a variety of floral arrangements and plants in seasonal hues.

In my younger days as a student, the only upside to fall was the excuse to go back-to-school shopping, but as an adult I’ve discovered that there’s more to be said for the beauty that comes with the changing of the seasons. While most of us complain about the heat we experience here during the summer and the severe cold we get in the winter, fall is truly a wonderful and welcome transition between the two extremes and should be appreciated—it doesn’t last long—even if some of you are watching the leaves change outside the window while sitting in Geometry class.

One drawback, however, to the change in weather is the cold and flu season that is often associated with it. With this important consideration in mind, we at Valley Response Magazine have decided that we’re simply not going to participate in any sort of cold or flu season this year, and to proactively reach our goal of steering clear of sickness, we consulted with the experts at Tulare Regional Medical Center and the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency for advice on how to keep ourselves from falling under the weather. In this article, readers will find out why the colder months commonly subject us to illness, tips for staying healthy, as well as where to go and what to do if you find yourself feeling any of the not-so-fun symptoms often linked to a cold or the flu.

Flu season aside, one of the greatest things about fall is the wonderful and amazing discounts and off-peak incentives offered within the travel industry. In our newly added travel section, travel agent Kristi Emo highlights some her favorite spots for travel this time of year, paying close consideration to the cost, scenery, and excursions and activities available there during the fall. The weather is cooler and both prices and crowds are down, so if you’re looking for a place to get away after avoiding the pains equated with prime time travel, be sure you don’t miss our travel feature this issue.

Whether you’re on the road, back in a classroom, or in the kitchen preparing your first pot of stew of the season, I hope that all of you enjoy a pleasant and healthful season. And I hope you take time to watch the leaves change.

By Kristi Emo

Fall is here and relief from the heat is coming. With it comes relief from the high prices that accompany the peak summer travel season. In the fall and early winter there are amazing values to be found on popular destinations—without the summer crowds. It is not too late to take advantage of discounts for fall and early winter travel. Prices are lower due to the economic decline, but are on the rise from last year. It is a great time to book your travel and benefit from buyer’s-market pricing for airlines, cruises, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts.

For travel after Labor Day and before the December holidays, you can find great deals in the United States and in more exotic destinations. In the U.S., fall is a great time to visit National Parks like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone before the snow season. The National Parks are offering free admission this year on September 25 for National Public Lands Day and on November 11 for Veterans’ Day.

Hawaii is a great destination this time of year. The beaches are not as crowded and you can find amazing deals with free nights, free breakfast, and free room upgrades. The airfare can be especially good from the larger airports like Los Angeles and San Francisco and there are non-stop flights to most of the islands. Oahu and Maui are the most popular, but don’t overlook the Big Island, with Volcanoes National Park and the erupting Kilauea, or the casual, relaxing beauty of Kauai with Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coastline. The best deals are on Kauai and Oahu.

In the Caribbean, where the beaches are amazing and the water is clear and blue, you can find deals with all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. While hurricane season lasts until the end of November and can bring storms and humidity, most of the hurricane activity happens from August until mid-October. In the Bahamas and the Caribbean there are deals for cruises between Labor Day and Christmas. Cruises out of San Juan, Puerto Rico that primarily traverse the Southern Caribbean keep you south of the hurricane zone.

Fall in Europe offers moderate weather, especially in the Mediterranean, and access to historical sites without the summer crowds and lines. The dollar is stronger this year against the Euro, giving Americans more buying power and the hotel prices can be half of what they are in the summer.

You don’t need a passport to travel within the U.S. and to U.S. territories like the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This includes cruises that depart and return to the same American port. For other cruises and travel outside the U.S., a valid passport is required. If want to travel outside of these areas, don’t worry that obtaining a passport will take months. The current processing time with the State Department is only four to six weeks and with an expedite fee you can get one in two to three weeks.

If you’re flying to your destination, there are better flight prices and smaller crowds during the middle of the week, so flexibility in your dates can save you money and time. Arrive at the airport early—in time to check your baggage and move through security—for a smoother, more relaxed beginning and end to your trip. Checking in early also ensures that you won’t be bumped from the flight.

Each airline has size and weight limits for checked and carry-on bags, on its website. You can save on checked bag fees by packing light and efficiently for your destination. For toiletries and liquids that you want to carry on the plane, there is the “3-1-1 Rule”: Containers can be 3 ounces or less, placed in one quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag, and there is a limit of one bag per person. Put the bag through security in a separate bin from the rest of your carry-ons. If you worry that an item won’t clear security in your carry-on, either put it in your checked bag or leave it at home. For complete details about airport safety procedures, prohibited items, and tips, check out www.tsa.gov.

Medical Community Urges Vaccines, Prevention

By Anna Palecek

With flu season around the corner, local agencies are gearing up to take steps to keep communities healthy, ramping up education, vaccination, and prevention efforts. While last year’s pandemic of 2009 H1N1 made for a year-round season, agencies typically begin preparing for seasonal flu in September.

“With H1N1, the flu can be anything these days,” said Melissa Janes, Director of Educational Services and Infection Prevention at Tulare Regional Medical Center. “In 2009 we didn’t have a stop in our flu season. There was no flu season, it was flu the entire year.”

Shawn Elkin, Infection Preventionist at Tulare Regional Medical Center said the strains of influenza vary from season to season, but flu season normally runs from September through April. He said the reason the flu has a typical season, is that the flu virus survives better in cooler weather.

“It’s the way the virus is able to withstand temperatures,” Elkin said. He also said flu is transmitted because our immune systems are more taxed during winter months.

Elkin said scientists developing the upcoming year’s vaccine study trends in the southern hemisphere to estimate what strains will appear here, with much of the data coming from Australia. The World Health Organization makes predictions about the upcoming season and recommendations for flu strains to be included in the year’s vaccine.

Multiple Strains

The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against several different types of flu, including the 2009 H1N1 virus, along with strains of influenza A and influenza B.

While Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County Public Health Officer, said she couldn’t offer a prediction about the severity of this year’s flu season or how widespread infection would be, she speculated that the inclusion of the 2009 H1N1 virus in this year’s vaccine could make this season less severe than last.

Haught recommended that all children ages 6 months and older be vaccinated. She said that the focus used to be on vaccinating children who have chronic conditions, but in the past few years, the recommendation has expanded to include all children.

“We recommend it for everyone,” Haught said. “By protecting yourself, you’re also protecting those around you.”

Haught said Tulare County offers flu vaccines to children as part of its immunization program, which administers vaccines free of charge to children without insurance, and for children whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccines. For adults, there are also vaccination clinics set up at senior centers and primary care centers throughout the county.

About the Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that influenza viruses can cause mild to severe symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle and body aches, headaches, and fatigue. In some people, symptoms also included vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. Most people who become ill with the flu recover in several days to two weeks.

Flu is spread when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing droplets that land in the mouth or noses of other people. People can also get the flu from touching a surface with flu virus on it, then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose. Flu can be spread by people before they even know they are sick, usually about one day before their symptoms develop, and five to seven days after they become sick.

The risk for complications of the flu is greater for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with health conditions including asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and the worsening of chronic health conditions.

The CDC recommends doctor-prescribed antiviral drugs for those who are at risk of serious complications, within two days of becoming sick. Haught echoed that antiviral drugs are recommended for people with underlying medical conditions, who are more at risk for serious illness. While some strains of flu have developed resistance to these medications, 2009 H1N1 had not and was treatable with antivirals.

While the CDC recommends that everyone be vaccinated to prevent the flu, it especially recommends the vaccine for those at greater risk—which includes those at risk of developing flu-related complications, and those who live or work with people at high risk for developing flu-related complications. The vaccine is also recommended for healthcare workers and caregivers of children younger than 5.

Two Vaccines

There are two types of flu vaccine, the first and most common is what is known as the flu shot, an inactivated vaccine, or killed virus, given by needle. It is approved for children 6 months and older, healthy people, people with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women.

The other vaccine is a nasal spray, which contains a live, weakened flu virus that does not cause the flu. It is approved for those ages 2 to 49, and women who are not pregnant.

The CDC reports that it takes about two weeks after being vaccinated for the body to develop antibodies that protect against influenza viruses. Side effects of the vaccine include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. For some, other side effects included low grade fever and aches, though most symptoms lasted less than two days.

Experts also recommend taking flu prevention into your own hands. Everyday preventive steps include washing hands with soap and water; avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth; avoiding contact with sick people; and limiting contact with others when you’re sick.

In an effort to prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, the Tulare Regional Medical Center offers “flu bags” at several kiosks within the hospital. The bags contain face masks, tissues, and information in both English and Spanish about “respiratory etiquette”—covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, frequently washing hands, and disposing of used tissues.

Janes said last year’s season has put the hospital at a “constant state of readiness.”

In addition to increased education and vaccination efforts, TRMC also initiated a campaign for frequent hand washing and sanitation for all employees.

“Number one is the safety of our patients,” Janes said. “In that effort, we want to protect employees that take care of patients.”

Autumn’s Cool Doesn’t Lower the Heat on Fire Fuels

By Jim Blanks

In the Central Valley in the summer, it often feels as though fire hazards exist everywhere, that disasters are nearly unavoidable—in the summer, fire becomes almost an expectation. But when the season changes, when the heat begins to subside and days on the valley floor become bearable again, can we let down our guard? At what point can we become less diligent about fire hazards?

The Valley becomes so dry that late season grass fires can be particularly devastating. Fire can spread quickly through the Valley, which, according to Tulare County Fire Investigator Captain Larry Stucker, is full of areas that contain potentially dangerous vegetation.

“We are talking about annual grasses,” Stucker says. “The golden-colored dried grasses throughout the county, annual weeds such as thistle, piles of brush and tree trimmings in yards—really, any dried vegetation taller than 5 inches that would cause a fire to spread rapidly.”

Cities within Tulare County—Porterville, Tulare, Visalia, and Dinuba–have weed abatement programs to address these hazards. Elsewhere in the county, the task falls to County Fire.

The difference, and one of the challenges, Stucker says, is that cities “have smaller jurisdictional boundaries, which are easier to control.”

“City fire departments address all properties within their jurisdiction that contain any hazards,” Stucker says. The County, having a vast area to cover, targets wide-open areas, “but our main focus is protecting structures that may be threatened by fire occurring in dried vegetation.”

Fuel Abatement

Because abatement can be difficult in such a large area, County Fire works with property owners to ensure that the land meets safety regulations.

“Once a property has been identified as a hazard, a notification is sent to the property owner allowing fifteen days for compliance,” Stucker explains.

Structures surrounding a vacant lot or a field are more threatened should a fire occur, so County Fire requires 100% compliance—usually by the start of fire season around May 1 of each year. If property owners do not follow the guidelines, the penalty can be steep.

“Should a fire occur on that property after the compliance deadline, the property owner could be liable for all costs incurred toward fighting that fire—whether it started on that property or was ignited by a fire on an adjoining property.”

Human Causes

Although Stucker says that there is usually an increase in vegetation fires when schools let out for the summer, and occasionally there will be an arsonist setting fires around the Valley, the main cause of vegetation fires is ordinary, everyday people.

“Vehicles are a prime example of accidental vegetation fires,” Stucker says. The temperature of the catalytic converters on vehicles can get as hot as 2,000 degrees.

“Should you pull over to the side of the road to talk on your cell phone, and park on top of tall roadside vegetation, the temperature of the catalytic converters can easily ignite a fire if the converter comes into contact with the dried vegetation.

“Additionally, catalytic converters that are in need of replacement can spew hot ceramic particles out of the exhaust pipe, projecting them into the vegetation. This is especially prevalent with poorly running vehicles.”

And once a fire starts, it can spread rapidly. Particularly in windy conditions, vegetation fires can take out whole structures, can destroy properties, and can even wipe out a community. That is why it is so important to practice vegetation abatement, Stucker says. It is also why Tulare County Fire is so vital to the community.

“The details of a response to a vegetation fire vary depending on upon weather conditions and fuel loads—whether it is light fuels, such as grasses, or heavy fuels, such as brush, dried, abandoned orchards, or river bottom growth,” Stucker says. “The County’s initial response to a reported grass fire consists of a two-unit response of engines or patrols, depending on the area. This is a typical response for an open area with no known hazards.”

For more critical responses, or if the fire is threatening wildland or nearby structures, Stucker says, the initial response escalates and can include a response from neighboring city departments and by Cal-Fire.

“County Fire handles properties on the valley floor, known as Local Response Areas,” Stucker explains. “Cal-Fire handles properties in the State Response Areas—foothills and mountains. The line separating the two is basically where the flat lands start to rise into the foothills.”

Perimeter of Safety

Once vegetation fires start, it can be difficult to stop them before they do significant damage. Because properties are often dry, fire can spread great distances before the fire department has a chance to stop it. Therefore, the best tools that County Fire has to stop fires are public education and weed abatement programs.

“At minimum, dried vegetation needs to be cleared within 30 feet of a structure,” Stucker says. “City and County standards require that all dried vegetation be removed from properties of less than 5 acres. And properties larger than 5 acres need 30- to 50-foot borders along the property lines.”

This is the best way to reduce the number of fires in our Valley each year. It is also the best way to reduce the damage caused by fires. If there is less fuel available, there is a better chance for the fire department to respond and successfully contain the fire.

Year-round Vigilance

Which brings us back to the original question: When can we take a break from fire season? As we leave another summer behind and prepare for fall, is it time to leave behind fire season as well?

If you ask Capt. Stucker, the approach of autumn does not mean the end of fire danger. According to Stucker, fire season usually lasts until late fall, about the time of the first rainfall.

“However, just because grass is green does not mean it won’t burn,” he adds. “Vegetation abatement should be practiced year-round.”

The reality of living in our Valley is that fire is a constant concern. We must remain vigilant year-round, even in the fall when it seems fire is less threatening. A few precautions can prevent catastrophe, and as Valley residents, we can all do our part to stay safe this season and every season.

Female Motor Officer is Living Her Dream

By Kimberly Sherman

Lisa Morgan doesn’t fit the “CHiPs” mold. She’s the mother of four kids, ages 3 to 23, including 6-year-old twins. Oh, and she’s also a grandmother.

Make no mistake; this lady isn’t settling down to a life of retirement anytime soon. “(Riding motorcycles) is something that I’ve always dreamed of, since I was a little kid. And I’m doing it,” she said. “It’s freedom when you ride, and I’m living my dream. I get to do it every day for twelve hours a day and I get paid for it.”

Morgan is the only CHP female motor officer in the Valley—her claim to fame—but she’s wrapped her mind tightly around her duties, priorities, and abilities as a woman in a field primarily comprised of men.

A Different Approach

“I have to treat a violator a lot differently. I have to use my head more; if I get into a physical altercation, they’ll probably be able to win,” she said. “I’m realistic because I know my limitations, so I try to do things smarter, I can talk my way through things.”

Shawn Wills, Morgan’s sergeant, makes no special provisions for his officers. They simply need to be able to do their job, and Morgan fills the bill well.

“She’s really positive—always smiling and laughing. It’s always a pleasure when you have an officer who has a positive attitude,” Wills explained. “Regardless of if they are male or female, I want them to be able to control the bike. She can just flat out ride.”

Wills is right about the need to control the bike. The CHP motor school is difficult and takes a great deal of natural skill, along with the willingness and tenacity to control the bike in very specific, intense situations.

“Anyone can get on a bike and ride,” said Wills, “but to ride in a small, confined area with cone patterns is difficult. There’s a big difference between civilians and the standards that the CHP sets. You have to ride the way they want you to ride.” The coveted on-duty prize for completion of motor school: a BMW 2000.

An Early Dream

Morgan’s story doesn’t begin in the parking lot of the office, looking longingly at rows of motorcycles, or even with the allure of the iconic “CHiPs” show set back in the ‘70s.

“I rode ATCs when I was little,” Morgan recalled. “When I was 11 years old, I went to L.A. with my dad. We saw a female motor officer having lunch and he said, ‘Hey, Lisa could do that.’ This is what I’ve always wanted to do.”

And since 1997, that’s exactly what she’s done. After being hired in 1990 and serving a stint in East L.A., a typical assignment for fledgling CHP hires, Morgan was transferred to Monterey—a city with no motor officers. Thanks to Morgan’s tenacity, that changed.

“I wrote the justification to bring in motors to Monterey. The theory is that motors can get to places first, and places that cars can’t. We were able to justify the program because of the number of special events held in town. We brought in four motor officers and a sergeant,” said Morgan.

Morgan transferred to the Fresno area office in 2007. She lives in Visalia, where her husband also works as a CHP officer. But because Visalia lacks a motor unit, Morgan commutes from Visalia to Fresno in order to keep her bike.

Dignitary Duty

Protective service details are a major responsibility of a motor officer. Wills says that the Fresno escort squad is the only one between Bakersfield and Modesto, where a small escort squad often requires additional resources from the Fresno team.

One of Morgan’s favorite aspects of the detail is the exclusivity maintained by the motor unit. She’s been involved in escorts for President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and governors Schwarzenegger and Davis, among other dignitaries.

“A formal motorcade is done for a president or other high-ranking official and involves a full shutdown of the freeway,” said Morgan. “We go to ramps, shut them down and stop traffic. We leapfrog and shut down any access to the freeway to keep the route safe and secure.”

“Lisa is well-versed in the escort detail,” said Wills. “There’s a proper way of doing it. With stop signs and civilians around, there are lots of tactics they have to be cognizant of.”

Roles as both officer and mom collided a few years back. She practiced for six years for President Reagan’s funeral escort—an elaborate detail that involved transporting several heads of state. But when Reagan died and the detail became necessary, Morgan was on maternity leave.

Aside from work, her obvious passion, Morgan loves to run and train for triathlons, though a nagging back injury thanks to two intense on-duty collisions have hampered her efforts.

Accidents Happen

In 2000, while crossing an intersection, Morgan was met by a Buick Le Sabre, which pulled out in front of her while riding at 35 miles per hour. She slammed into the car and fell off her bike, sustaining a concussion and a cracked sacrum.

Five years later, while working radar on a side road off of the 101 freeway, Morgan was a standing target. “I was looking down, heard skidding, and heard my partner scream. A lady was going to make a U-turn and missed her turn. She was going 70 miles per hour, saw us, and panicked,” said Morgan. “She hit us on our motorcycles and pushed us 20 feet. I was ejected from my bike and flew 30 feet. I went to the hospital with a twisted hip and left knee.”

With nine years remaining before she can retire, Morgan has navigated through many obstacles in her profession, yet retains a great outlook.

“I’m probably the nicest highway patrol officer who would pull you over. I don’t need to be mean. I’ve been on long enough and been through enough that I just go with the flow,” she said.

“I enjoy what I do, and I love doing it all, but my ultimate goal is just to come home.”

Relentless Firefighters Tackle Fire after Fire

By Robert Robinson

Often people only notice what is lost in a fire, not what is saved or the losses prevented by firefighters. Many times a home or car is lost to the flames, but the neighboring homes are saved or the fire is extinguished before consuming a field or spreading into wild lands. We don’t see how much our local firefighters give of themselves to help us each and every day. We take it for granted that it’s their job; but many of our firefighters are volunteers or paid-per-call firefighters—they are just like everyone else, with full-time jobs, families, and lives away from the fire station.

When that pager goes off they drop their lives and go to work protecting us and our property, without question. They risk it all for strangers. This was the case on June 8, 2010. Local firefighters spent more than 10 hours continuously fighting fires, one after the other, from the Farmersville area to Plainview and Lindsay. That was just one busy summer day for your local firefighters.

Flames in Farmersville

An elderly woman had to be rescued by Tulare County Firefighters as fire threatened her home just outside Farmersville.

At 3:30 p.m. on June 8, Tulare County firefighters arrived on the scene of what was thought to be a structure fire at 17202 Ave. 296, to find a wind-driven grass fire sweeping across a 5-acre lot and threatening two homes. The fire burned nearly 8 acres before being extinguished by fire units on scene.

The first arriving units focused on structure protection on the west end of the fire, where a 50 ft by 50 ft metal shop and 1,600 square foot home were directly threatened by the fire. A small wooden outbuilding behind the home was destroyed before fire crews could get to it, due to heavy smoke and low visibility.

Other units responding to the fire went to the east end of the fire, where another home was threatened. As this was going on, firefighters were told of a woman trapped in the first home. 
Tulare County Fire Lieutenant Jared Smith entered the home and found an elderly women who was recovering from surgery and evacuated her, a large dog, two chickens, and her cat. Tulare County Firefighters Ruben Farias and Engineer Bobby Ranney helped the woman to a waiting ambulance and she was then transported to Kaweah Delta Hospital for slight smoke inhalation, while the animals were turned over to the property owner.

The home was saved thanks to an open window on the west side, though a bedroom had moderate fire and smoke damage and the rest of the residence had additional smoke damage.

Damage to the home was estimated at approximately $10,000 to the building and $5,000 to the contents.

The metal shop had minor heat and smoke damage while the home to the east, protected by Lieutenant Jesse Renteria and Engineer Gabe Espinola, was unaffected by the fire. They did a great job fighting back the flames and protecting this home.

Tulare County fire units from Ivanhoe, Visalia, Exeter, Lindsay, and Lemon Cove were on the scene, along with units from Farmersville City Fire, Visalia City Fire and Cal-Fire. More than thirty fire personnel fought this fire.

Flames in Exeter

Crews were still on this fire mopping up hot spots at 8:38 when County engines were dispatched to a structure fire at 342 N. C St. in Exeter. With several County units still committed to the earlier fire, Engine 26 out of Exeter station 11 along with patrol 11 were first on scene. They found an outside storage building fully involved with fire and overhead power lines exposed to the flames. The fire directly threatened a pickup, a recreational vehicle, and a residence also. Firefighters contained the fire to the storage building with minimal damage to the exposed building and vehicles.

Additional units arrived on scene from Farmersville City and Tulare County’s Lindsay station to help control and extinguish the fire. Fifteen to twenty fire personnel were on hand for this fire.

Damage to the 25 ft by 30 ft storage building was extensive—it was destroyed, as were all of the contents. The RV on the north side of the fire suffered minimal damage from the heat, while a wooden fence in the alley was destroyed by the fire. Total damages were estimated at $25,000 to the building and its contents. Fire officials estimate the firefighters saved $212,000 in damage by preventing this fire from spreading. Fire crews did another great job controlling the fire quickly.

Plainview Call

While these firefighters were still on the fire in Exeter another call went out for a structure fire in the community of Plainview. County engines were dispatched to this fire from Strathmore, Porterville, Tulare, and Visalia as well as the county’s Lindsay unit, which was still on the fire in Exeter.

Engineer James Israel and Engine 216 were first on the scene and found a single family home in the area of 19478 Rd. 196 with power lines down and visible fire in the north bedroom area. Fire quickly spread into the attic and other rooms. A three-man roof crew comprised of Firefighter Alvin Mendoca, Engineer Martin Hernandez and Firefighter David Avina laddered the home and ventilated the structure by cutting through the roof and into the attic with a chainsaw. This drew the heat out of the building, forcing it up and out and slowing the progress of the fire. Meanwhile, other firefighters, like Victor Ortiz and Robert Hernandez among many others, made an interior attack on the fire, stopping its advance through the home. Firefighters had the fire under control by 10:30 p.m. Approximately thirty fire personnel fought this blaze.

By the time crews got this fire under control the exhaustion showed on their faces as they grabbed water and a quick breather and shifted from fire attack to mop up.

The Red Cross came out to help the family that was displaced by this fire and the Board Up organization secured the structure by boarding up doors and windows. This helps protect the neighborhood as well as the homeowners.

No one was home at the time of the blaze and due to extensive damage to the home, the cause of the fire is still undetermined.

Fourth and Final

At 12:02 a.m. on June 9, the City of Lindsay’s Public Safety department requested assistance on a structure fire, calling a lot of the same Tulare County units back out on yet another fire call. Units from Exeter, Lindsay, and Strathmore stations responded to the scene at 570 S. Mirage in the city of Lindsay to find an unoccupied home with an attic fire that had burned the entire roof off of the building. The home was being remodeled at the time of the fire.

For several of these firefighters this was the third or fourth fire call in just over 10 hours. Most had not been able to stop or even slow down to eat for most of the afternoon and night. Firefighter Victor Ortiz out of Tulare County’s Lindsay station was at the Exeter fire, the Plainview fire and the Lindsay fire. Exeter’s Fire Capt. Jeff Smith and Firefighter Steven Pena responded to the earliest fire of the day on Avenue 296 and were committed there for most of the evening before responding to the Exeter fire and then to assist in Lindsay as well. All of the firefighters that responded to these calls did a great job saving what could be saved and extinguishing the flames before tirelessly moving on to the next call.

Day or night, firefighters put their lives on the line on every call they go to, fire or no fire. Each one of them makes a sacrifice for the rest of us every day, leaving the dinner table for a traffic accident or missing their children’s school play or birthday in order to extinguish flames at a structure fire across town. So the next time you see a fire engine headed to a call or that dark smoke column across town, remember, they risk it all for the rest of us, running in as we run out.

Take Special Care in Construction Zones

By Bill Corliss

Visalia’s infrastructure is changing to accommodate recent growth. Mooney Boulevard now has three lanes. Our Santa Fe overpass is completed, the first phase of a larger project. Traveling to Hanford or Dinuba will be easier and safer as construction on Highway 198 and Road 80 are completed. And the Noble Avenue/Ben Maddox Way intersect area is the newest upgrade. Our roads are under construction.

Driving in construction areas can be frustrating and extremely risky. Many road workers and law enforcement personnel are killed every year. According to www.dot.ca.gov/hq/paffairs/about/safety.htm from 1924 to 1971 88 workers were killed in California construction zones, while 86 died from 1972 to 2009. Legislation has been passed to help reduce our losses.

Vehicle Code 21809 is a newer law to limit crashes and fatalities in construction zones. Many drivers are unaware of this law, which protects emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and Department of Transportation (Caltrans) workers. The law states that if yellow flashing lights are displayed, drivers must change lanes away from the vehicle on the side of the road before they are adjacent to it. If a lane change cannot be safely executed, drivers must slow to a “reasonable and prudent speed.” This law does not apply if the vehicle with the flashing lights is not adjacent to the freeway or highway, or if it is protected by a physical barrier. Also, remember that Vehicle Code 42010 doubles normal fines in construction zones if workers are present.

According the California Driver Handbook, the most common crash in construction zones is the rear-end collision. This type of crash can be prevented with two simple techniques: increase your following distance and reduce your speed until you’re past this high-risk environment. Other ways to reduce risk include avoiding the construction area or leaving early to relieve the frustration created by slower traffic. Finally, eliminate distractions in this zone: no phone or food. Driving becomes a full-time occupation as the construction zone is negotiated. For more good tips, visit www.workzonesafety.org.

Three Rivers’ All-Volunteer Ambulance Service Winds Down

By Aaron Collins

Rural mountainous Three Rivers is the kind of place where you’d rather not go wheels-up or face-down in the treacherous Kaweah River. It can be a 30-mile drive to Visalia’s Kaweah Delta Emergency Department, the area’s closest. In winter, dense fog on the San Joaquin Valley floor below can add precious minutes to ambulance transport times.

Increasingly a retirement community with an elderly population, Three Rivers also attracts outdoor adventurers from around the world to what are some of the most treacherous roads and dangerous terrain in the United States. Nearby Sequoia National Park attracts 1.5 million international tourists annually. Not all of those visitors are familiar with the rules of the road and its many drop-offs, or the ways of the wild and its poisonous reptiles and hungry bears.

For over fifty years, those risk factors resulted in an average of 250 calls per year to the all-volunteer Three Rivers Ambulance Service. Overseen by a volunteer board of directors, the service was funded almost exclusively through its billings for care. Its unpaid personnel were mostly made up of generous locals who attained EMT-II certification in order to serve their neighbors and tourists.

State-Level Change

But when the state revised the California Code of Regulations effective June 10, EMT-IIs would no longer receive certification. Only several dozen EMT-IIs are so designated statewide, said Paul Main, head of American Ambulance in Visalia, so there is already a trend away from the lower-skilled certification and toward paramedics. Three Rivers, now looking at higher-level paramedic certification, saw that the new regulations spelled the end of its all-volunteer force, said Anna Smith, with Tulare County Central Ambulance Dispatch (TCCAD), a nonprofit agency that contracts with the County of Tulare to coordinate ambulance services.

Dan Lynch, Director of the Central California Emergency Services Management Agency, agreed. “Volunteer agencies face several challenges. The availability of volunteers is decreasing, which may be due to the economic climate or the lack of individuals willing to give up time to be a volunteer.” Lynch also cited the increased regulations for volunteer commitments.

What few younger volunteers the Three Rivers service had were working toward their EMT-II training for certification. However, they were notified mid-process that it would no longer be valid.

Lynch pointed out that an EMT-II can provide many advanced life support skills, similar to a paramedic, but certification only requires 20% of the training hours for paramedic certification. “The changes in the state’s regulations removed a number of drugs used by the EMT-II and eliminated skills that involved intubation and equipment to remove a foreign object from a choking patient.” He pointed out that these regulatory changes were made to align the EMT-II in California with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.

No New Generation

For the ten-member Three Rivers Ambulance board and twelve-person volunteer staff, recruitment posed a difficult enough task at the EMT-II level. Now the service is losing the few people in line to replace the old guard.

Some long-timers were past ready to hand over the reins, but the new generation has mostly looked to other careers or left the area. Three Rivers, more than ever, is a retirement community, without many young locals interested in a lifetime of volunteer service to the local ambulance, no matter how noble a calling.

Understandably, there is some resistance to the change. Three Rivers residents found comfort in having ambulance service close at hand. But “when presented with the facts, most agree there is greater comfort in knowing that the new area ambulance service is also paid and accountable,” said EMT-II Sandy Owen, a volunteer since 1974. “Times have changed, and so we have to change, too,” she pointed out, adding that the new arrangement will bring area ambulance service in line with state regulations designed to ensure the greatest patient care and safety.

The nearest ambulance is stationed in Exeter nearly twenty-five minutes away, creating a potentially fatally long trip from there to Three Rivers then backtracking around Lake Kaweah to Kaweah Delta in Visalia. There must be some changes in order for ambulance services to maintain the twenty-minute maximum arrival time mandated by the state.

“The eventual location of a new station is not yet certain, but Lemon Cove is appears to be the likeliest location,” said Smith, adding that it will enable better access to points north including Woodlake and Badger in the Sierra foothills.

Other ambulance services such as Lifestar in Tulare and American Ambulance in Visalia will play a role in taking up the slack in the meantime.

Sharing the Load

According to Main, the call load and geographical logistics require at least a two-service solution. “American Ambulance will be hiring additional paramedics and EMTs to meet this commitment. The call demand in those areas would make it difficult for a single provider to take on the whole area, without suffering a financial loss. However, if a unit were not stationed (in Lemon Cove) as proposed, the response time requirements would be a challenge to meet for that area. By working together, the companies have developed a system to spread the workload among two or more in order to achieve equitability in cost-sharing and workload.”

Main said that a similar process worked out well for the Lindsay area, and expects that the same results can be achieved in the Lemon Cove-Woodlake-Three Rivers area. Lifestar Ambulance of Tulare will also likely participate in the new Lemon Cove-based system.

Three Rivers locals might not realize that volunteer service often took the same amount of time as a run from Exeter Ambulance. “Locals had to be paged and get themselves to the station first,” Owen said, and then navigate to some often pretty inaccessible venues along primitive roads astride some steep terrain.

Main acknowledged that new personnel stationed in Lemon Cove will have to learn the different “nooks and crannies” of the communities. “For example, the volunteers in Three Rivers live in that community. They know locations, dirt roads, and homes that may not appear on a map. That’s incredibly valuable,” he said. “The Three Rivers Ambulance Board has committed to helping us with maps they have been utilizing. That is a great help to the new ambulance companies.”

Mixed Reactions

“The announcement has been met with mixed emotions,” Lynch said. “The initial reaction for most people is the sadness of the loss of an ambulance company that has been genuinely committed and dedicated to it community for over fifty years. The fact that the high quality ambulance services were provided by volunteers speaks volumes of the dedicated people who live in the Three Rivers area and care so much about their community.”

But the writing was on the wall even before the regulatory change, he said. “Over the past few years, Three Rivers personnel have made it clear to the County, EMS Agency, and other ambulance providers that it would not be able to continue providing ambulance services in the long term.”

Lynch said that—as the regulatory requirements and costs increase—more volunteer ambulance companies will close. “While volunteer ambulance services are predominant in the mid-western and eastern United States, California has mostly full-time ambulance companies. As the urban spread encroaches on the rural areas, the demand for ambulance services increases and the demand is more than the volunteers can provide.”

Along with Owen, Lynch said that “first responders also understand that services will increase to the paramedic level and that ambulance response should be more consistent” as a result of the higher training requirements.

So here’s to the people of Three Rivers Ambulance who gave their own time, energy, and resources to help save them.