For as long as firefighters have been called upon to save life and property, vigilance has been as essential to the effort as any equipment or training. Like any profession, there are rhythms and similarities to each day that create familiarity, but the level of mental preparedness must always remain the same. The recent “Station Fire” outside Los Angeles is a stark reminder of the poise and resilience needed to serve others. Though they are close to 100 percent contained, the data and numbers are still being collected to produce final accounts of the damage and loss caused by the station fires. For those on the front lines and throughout the firefighting community, one number alone summarizes what was lost in the blaze; the number two. Capt. Tedmund "Ted" Hall, 47, of San Bernardino County, and firefighter specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones, 35, of Palmdale were both killed when their truck plummeted off a mountain road. For those battling the flames from destroying million dollar homes and spreading rapidly, the news was a hit to morale. Firefighter Al Lopez of the Woodbridge Fire Department in Stanislaus County was part of a Strike Team sent down to help. Upon hearing the news of the tragedy while breaking at camp, Lopez said it was “tough to process amidst the chaos.” OC firefighters know all too well the nature of firefighting requires a clarity and determination to extinguish flames, save lives, and watch out for one another along the way. 60 OC firefighters from two strike teams were sent to help fight the blaze. Lopez explains that from start to finish, mental diligence is essential in recalling training. “When OES sent out the call to us up north, we had thirty minutes to be at the station, pack our gear, and hit the road. Once on scene, we were active for hours with no rest,” Lopez said. “The news of losing two of brothers was definitely on our minds, but to beat the fire and do our job, each of us had to remember our training and execute.” Charring nearly 251-square-miles with an estimated cost of $83.1 million, the circumstances of the station fire were difficult enough having claimed two firefighters. The finding that arson was the culprit only made it that much harder to focus and not get caught up in complexities, Lopez said.
Lopez said that when firefighters leave their homes, whether for a normal shift, overtime, or for a special emergency that requires extended service, their vigilance must accompany them. It also is required of the loved ones they leave behind with no certainty of what events will unfold while they are away. In each station and on every rig, the focus and readiness for whatever waits at the scene of the emergency is shared by all responding, he said. To plan, discuss, and review thoughts, concerns, and even ask questions are all strong ways to prepare to ensure training and protocols are met now matter what develops. For the loved ones and peers of the fallen Hall and Quinones, the reality of the “you never know” perspective became all too real. Through this tragedy, firefighters are all reminded that leaving their homes and stations provides no guarantees for their return, Lopez said. To communicate and express whatever is pressing to family and peers will always be important to remember to do.
In doing so, firefighters can focus on the pressing response needed with clarity of training and skill. As Lopez said, “the entire time we were on the ground, we stood poised and mindful of what was before us. During breaks and debriefing was when we discussed the challenges we faced. This way, our duties were always kept first.” Remembering that firefighting demands a willingness to give even the ultimate sacrifice, firefighters must be constantly striving to keep themselves, family, and units focused on successful outcomes and vigilance. If they are, then they can have the peace of mind to do their job and save lives.