Sam DiGiovanna Fire Chief

Online, September 17, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Sam DiGiovanna

Though it is not our usual VFA/GCC Management Tip of the week, it is a bit humorous and I thought you would enjoy while at the same time a good reminder of how critically low our fuel moisture content is. Remember, this is in Irvine where it is not far from the beach.

Though I know your training Chiefs (and you personally have reviewed) cover the 10's and 18's with you, they are included above the photo. A quick review can't hurt!

Please share and be safe,

Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER NEWS - SUNDAY AUGUST 29TH 2010

IRVINE - After over seven hours of fighting the fire, a blaze probably sparked when a golfer chipped a rock with his club near Shady Canyon in Irvine was completely contained by 7:30 p.m., Orange County Fire Authority Captain Greg McKeown said.
Sam DiGiovanna
Almost 200 firefighters battled the 12-acre blaze near the Shady Canyon Golf Course on Saturday, officials said.
Sam DiGiovanna
The fire was reported at 12:07 p.m. as a hillside fire near the golf course. It burned through dense, heavy brush.
McKeown said two crews would remain throughout the night to prevent spot fires from flaring up. Another hand crew will return Sunday to mop up, he said.
Sam DiGiovanna
At no point were the nearby multimillion-dollar homes in the gated Shady Canyon Golf Course at risk, McKeown said.
McKeown said the fire likely was sparked when a golfer - who knocked his golf ball into the grass that borders the fairway - struck a rock with his club trying to get the ball out of the rough.
Sam DiGiovanna
***Two other fires near Antonio Parkway and Ortega Highway that broke out at 12:30 p.m. were also extinguished.
Sam DiGiovanna
10 Standard Firefighting Orders
Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts.
Know what your fire is doing at all times.
Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire.
Identify escape routes and safety zones and make them known.
Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor, and adjoining forces.
Give clear instructions and insure they are understood.
Maintain control of your forces at all times.
Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
Sam DiGiovanna
18 Watchouts Situations
Fire not scouted and sized up.
In country not seen in daylight.
Safety zones and escape routes not identified.
Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.
Uninformed on strategy, tactics, and hazards.
Instructions and assignments not clear.
No communication link with crewmembers/supervisors.
Constructing line without safe anchor point.
Building fireline downhill with fire below.
Attempting frontal assault on fire.
Unburned fuel between you and the fire.
Cannot see main fire, not in contact with anyone who can.
On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below.
Weather is getting hotter and drier.
Wind increases and/or changes direction.
Getting frequent spot fires across line.
Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult.
Taking a nap near the fire line.

Sam DiGiovanna Article.