Two Los Angeles County firefighters killed in vehicle accident near Station fire [Updated]

Two Los Angeles County firefighters battling the Station fire were killed this afternoon in a vehicle crash.

Officials announced the death at an emotional news conference, saying that the families of the fallen firefighters had been notified and that department chaplains were with them.

The accident occurred near Mt. Gleason earlier this afternoon. Details of the crash were not immediately available, but TV footage showed a truck rolled over on a mountainside.

[Updated at 8:29 p.m.: County Deputy Fire Chief Mike Bryant fought back tears when he announced the deaths. He said the accident occurred during a period of intense firefighting near the northern edge of the fire near Acton. He did not release the names of the firefighters.

During the news conference, officials said they were growing optimistic that the fire would not sweep through Acton. "We're optimistic," said U.S. Forest incident Commander Mike Dietrich. "But based on this fire's behavior, we have no guarantees for that community."]

 Officials also announced that at least 18 structures have been destroyed by the Station fire, but they added that number will probably grow.

The fire burning in Angeles National Forest is approaching the historic solar observatory and television transmission towers atop Mt. Wilson, according to Los Angeles County fire officials. The communications towers house transmitters for every major television station in Los Angeles. 

Crews were clearing brush around the structures Sunday evening, but fire officials were not sure if they could leave personnel on the mountain to fight the flames because of the danger and limited escape routes.  [Updated at 8:29 p.m.: Crews are still at Mt. Wilson. TV footage shows fire on two sides of the peak.]

[Updated at 9:24 p.m.: News of the firefighters' death brought immediate tributes from other agencies involved in fighting the Station fire as well as some residents whose homes are in the path of the flames.']

“This accident is tragic,” Bryant said. “This is a very difficult time for L.A. County Fire Department and the men and women that serve day in, day out.”

He added: "We ask for your understanding, for your patience as we move through this difficult time, and please, prayers for the families of our two brothers that we lost."

-- Hector Becerra at Hansen Dam and Anna Gorman

Top photo: Smoke from the Station fire billows as the moon glows over Soledad Canyon Road in Acton. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times.

Second photo: A Los Angeles County fire fighter sprays walks by a wall of fire as he fights the Station Fire August 30, 2009 in Acton, California. Credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

Photos: Southland wildfires

Related articles: 

Red-flag warning extended amid forecast of more dry heat and winds

Fire forces Acton family to take stock of what is important

Map: The Station fire

How are you coping?

Comments

[MyLastBite]

So very sad. My brother-in-law is an L.A. firefighter, and my young nephew (20 years old) is in training.

My sincere condolences to the families, and to the L.A. County Fire Department.

God bless.

[Mufon]

MyLastBite,

Ditto.

[Silicones]

Need to investigate why fire was allowed to grow over a a period of two days while it was still manageable but not threatening homes. Most coverage and attention seemed to have focused on the fire by the beach. Now it has become unaffordably costly with loss of lives involved.

[Melody]

What about those 3 teenagers found near the origin of the fire. It seemed questionable as to what they were doing there. THEY should be "persons of interest" and possibly charged with murder.

[LYLE McCollam]

My heart and prayer go out to those who gave thier lives and those lives are on the line fighting fires. I spent 23yr working with along side them as a medic for a private ambulance company,
Goodhew and AMR.
God Be with you my friends.

[JeanA]

It breaks my heart that firefighter lives were lost. They are our valiant protectors. I raised my children in the affected area and know that many of their friends' families are still up there. They are all in my thoughts.

On a different note--it is easy to "second guess" decisions when one is not on the frontline. Not appreciated.

[Linda]

Indeed. CalFire and forest Service did little for 2-3 days, while this grew from a small local fire to one far too large to control, burning all the way north to the desert. Because there was no wind, they did not think it was a threat -- only seemed concerned about homes affected nearby in La Canada. Nothing about the conditions faced -- the extreme heat, the terrain, the availability of fuels on hillsides that haven't burned in decades -- was not known well beforehand. Too few resources, poor planning.

And the news coverage, as usual, has done nothing to question or critique how these fires have been handled. Virtually no coverage on TV until tonight, and up till Friday, more news stories on Palos Verdes than Station Fire, when anyone in the area knew this was the real story.

[David Arnold]

Winds or not, these fires can only be managed with clearing out dead trees and underbrush....I can recall over the years environmental groups always screaming whenever that proposal is brought up......so if you're looking for people to blame, steer clear of the brave men and women who are fighting these fires and focus on those who never seem to see the need to do this most important forest maintinence..... the Station fire for example is burning dead trees some of which are reported to have been there for 60 years.

[Cameron]

When the Rancho PV fire broke out, the station fire lost resources while it was small.

[d]

Looks like silicones knows nothing about fighting wildland fire. Slope, fuel, and topography along with remote access and not putting crews directly in front of the fires path are just a few things to consider while fighting these kinds of blazes. Go take a fire suppression class and get an education before posting. Or better yet, go fight a fire without training and knowledge and see how long you last out there.

[Aileen]

My husband is a firefighter overseas and waiting for his visa to join me here in the U.S. Our family's thoughts and prayers go out to our brothers' families. They are well deserving of badges of honor for supreme sacrifice for the sake of saving and serving others. May they rest in peace.

[Anonymous]

It's easy to sit on a computer and say what you think should have been done. Bottom line is that you're commenting on something you probably know nothing about and 2 families and a firefighting community are mourning the loss of 2 people that were out there trying to make a difference.

Thoughts and prayers to the families and the resources battling the fire...

[d]

My condolences to the families and friends of those lost. I too have lost friends from fighting the beast.

[Buenaventura]

Silicones and MotherPhaquers,

Your comments are inappropriate and offensive following an article about two firefighters who died in the line of duty. You add much pain to firefighters who are deeply saddened by this tragic loss.

[Buenaventura]

Silicones,

Fire suppression effort is not measured in terms of media coverage. The Station Fire began after fire agencies were stretched thin by the Morris and Palos Verdes fires in LA County and many other fires throughout the State.

If you feel anger about the Station fire, focus it on those responsible for causing the fire, not the firefighters and fire managers who have been working diligently in adverse conditions. The fire managers you malign feel a great deal more pain over the loss of these firefighters than you can imagine.

[David_U]

Cal Fire does not fight fires in National Forests unless they get called to help by USFS. It is not that they do not do anything, they are not allowed to do anything until the feds call them for help. The USFS first responsibility is to defend structures so they may have had to let the forest go while saving houses. Much of these fire problems are caused by developers building right up to the edge of the forest, and city and county politicians letting them do so. The developers want to use every bit of land they have and do not want donate defensible space between their property and the forest.

[Tara]

This is tragic. My heart goes out to all the men and women who are struggling so hard to contain these fires, but especially to the families of the two men who made the ultimate sacrifice. I can only hope that if there is anyone out there who might be responsible for deliberately setting some of these blazes, whether from cooking accidents at illegal encampments, or because they're just plain arsonists they are caught and charged with murder.

[somebody]

Wow!!! To the ungrateful and heartless creeps who had to get their 15 mins of fame could you use some of that energy and complain about the fire dept cuts due to budget cuts....

And to families and friends of the heros we lost today, you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers...

[Julie Ratzesberger]

God Bless these families of the firefighters who have lost their lives. My husband is out there working to protect lives and property. My heart and prayers go out to all.

[Fr. Gregory Coiro, O.F.M.Cap.]

The prayers of this former La Cañada Flintridge resident are with all those affected by this inferno, and especially with the gallant men and women who put their own lives at risk to protect and save others. May God grant eternal rest to the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice, and may He console their families and loved ones. "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."

[Laura]

In the event that the animal shelters become filled to capacity, I could accommodate 2 large dogs or 3 or 4 small ones for anyone who is forced to evacuate the Acton area. I live in Lancaster.

I can be reached at blameitonkarma@roadrunner.com.

[MJS]

My heart breaks for the families of the lost firefighters. Having lost loved ones recently I can absolutely empathize with their feelings of loss and I hope they know that many, many strangers are with them in spirit. I don't believe in god (big or little 'g') but I do believe in the kindness of strangers. I hope these fires were not the result of human hands.

[Michael O'Faolain]

I am truly saddened by the loss of firefighters in this fire.

I'm also troubled by the discord expressed here over how the fire fighting has been managed. While this fire is massive, a much smaller fire that started at 2 pm this afternoon destroyed 20 homes and businesses in the Auburn area even though CalFire was immediately asking for regional help.

Everyone does their best at the time.

[Mike Hughes]

In the name of brotherhood you will always be remembered, you will always be loved, you will always be honored. May you rest in peace knowing that your loved ones will always be protected and taken car of by your fellow brothers and sisters on the line. As a firefighter I can say I know you two brave souls passed doing what you loved.

M.S. Hughes
Firefighter CA

[Giuseppe]

Rather than criticizing Cal Fire and the US Forest Service fire crews for not doing enough soon enough, one might wish to turn their attention to the politicians who, year after year, continue to reduce the budgets of both Cal Fire and the Forest Service to the point that both agencies are being tasked to do an extremely hazardous job with far fewer resources than they had years ago. This despite the fact that there are more and more houses and people at risk as developers continue to build in the so-called urban-interface areas of our state.

If you want to complain to someone, complain to your elected officials at both the state and federal level. In the specific case of the US Forest Service, if the trend continues in the years ahead there simply won’t be any Forest Service fire crews left as, in an effort to reduce costs in an ever shrinking budget; highly trained Forest Service fire fighters are being replaced by, lesser trained, civilian contract fire crews.

[Firefighter]

@Silicones

Shut up and sit down!

[Alice Riel Slater]

I grew up in Sunland and have many friends and family still there, my heart sinks to see this beautiful community in danger. These people who put their lives on the line deserve our support and repect, my condolences to the families who have lost so much. My respect and support to the families with loved ones still in danger, and my disgust to the people making hurtful comments on things they do not know anything about. Instead of being angry with the few resources available due to budget cuts and our nations economy, step up and offer to help in any way possible. That is what being a community is all about, coulda, shoulda, woulda just doesn't cut it. My thoughts and prayers are with all involved.

[robert ketchum III]

To all the firemen and women we thank you for all your work and dedication. please keep your selfs safe and we will keep praying for all of you and all the families that have lost there loved ones.

Be Safe!
Robert Ketchum III
United States Coast Guard

[mark Horn]

I live in Altadena and have watched the fire crews work tirelessly protecting our homes. Our prayers go out to the families of the lost firefighters. I hope that a memorial fund can be set up so that we can donate something to their heroic efforts.

[Silicones]

My apologies to all those that felt offended by my posting. My prayers to the families of those who gave their lives to protect the rest of us from the fire. I simply asked for an investigation and by no means did I mean to accuse anyone of wrong doing. I see that some postings helped explain the politics of resource deployment. I hope this conversation continues to provide more information to those of us not in the front lines. There should be no reason for second guessing if the information is put out there for everyone to see. There is no excuse for not doing a better job at keeping the public informed.

[Kim]

Does anyone know whether funds for the families have been established? I know many in the foothill communities would like to give back.

[Ryan]

Read the comment below and see what kind of people these men try and save and protect, ungrateful and defintly has no clue on what fireman do.. These men were great guys I knew them personally and they gave there lives for the community.. May GOD bless them and there families... La County FFPM

Need to investigate why fire was allowed to grow over a a period of two days while it was still manageable but not threatening homes. Most coverage and attention seemed to have focused on the fire by the beach. Now it has become unaffordably costly with loss of lives involved.
Posted by: Silicones | August 30, 2009 at 08:56 PM

[salvador]

One of the reasons why this fire grows more and more everyday is because they can only fight this brush fire during the day, due to the vast amount of smoke that billows. Since there is so much smoke the water drops and such are not able to go into the danger zone, one because they have no sight of to where they are or where the other aircrafts are and two the smoke can get into these aircrafts and can cause the air crew to possibly black out or even die due to possible inhaling the heat smoke and ashes. So the safest way is to attack the station fire from sunrise to a little after there is no sunlight. But they are still doing other things throughout the night.
Firefighters, fire crews, and even volunteer fire-2's are doing thier best to contain this brushfire but there is only so much they can do..
right now they have about 1800 firefighters/firecrews etc. battling the blaze, but there are about 2000 more on their way from surrounding cities/states to assist in the hopes of ending its trail sometime this week.

[AK]

Arnie you will be missed. I'll remember the good times hanging out and will pray for your family.

[Steven]

God Bless them and the family. We will not forget! Please if any info of funeral please advise. God be with you!

[larry]

I'm a so cal resident and I am very sorry to here this news. May this thing be gone soon... BLEESED BE

[Tia]

So so sad, my dad LA fire captain is up there right now and he knew these guys. Im praying for all the firefighters up there. God Bless

[Ex FF Wife]

My ex-husband is a firefighter, each day we pray for his safe return him. I am so sorry for the loss of the two fallen heroes. Firefighters are the true heroes in this world. They are brave and compassionate and forever will be in our hearts.

[FirefighterAid]

As Director of Operations for a southern California firefighters' charity, I am very saddened about the loss of these two heroes. Firefighters are family, and our thoughts go out to the families and friends.

These sacrifices occur all too often, and especially in our state because of the high fire danger. Its why organizations like ours were founded, to care for firefighters and their families through sickness, distress, and death. Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect us. Too often, they are killed in the line of duty or shortly after retirement by cancer, lung, or heart disease.

[BrianU]

I am so sorry for their families. Is there a fund for them or a way to contribute? I have an event coming up at my home this weekend and wanted to put something out for attendees to donate. The foothill communities could not exist without the protection of these brave men and women.

[FirefighterAid]

There is a way to contribute. We are collecting donations for Los Angeles Fireman's Relief Association and will present them to our brothers and sisters in LA. You can donate via our website at http://www.sdfra.org/give.html. Make sure to specify that you want your donation to go to Los Angeles Firefighters.

We are also beginning a campaign to collect well wishes to the Hall and Quinones families and all the firefighters working so hard to protect life and property on these fires. If you would like your sentiments given to them, you may post them here and we will ensure they are added to the presentation.

[rainy]

In my profession I work with these courageous individuals everyday, (LAFD). When I heard of the loss I instantly felt for their families at home as well as their families at the station. This is tragic. My prayers go out to those brave Firefighters of La County, LAFD, and to every last one of the agencies who were called for duty and are still out there trying to bring this fire to an end.

[Frank Johnson]

Our hearts go out to the families and colleagues of our fallen brothers. My fiancee and I are both wildland firefighters (recruits) with a state forestry agency and we both have more than a few seasons under our belts. However, no amount of experience can prepare you for the loss of a brother, much less two. RIP

And to the rest of our comrades in arms on the front lines, we're proud of all of you. Stay strong.

Frank Johnson
Tami Brown-Johnson

[Angela]

Does anyone have any idea where I can send a card and some words of gratitude to?? Please email me. Thank you.