Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Station Fire Update for Pasadena


The two Pasadena engine companies have returned from the Station Fire incident in the Angeles National Forest.

One Pasadena battalion chief remains assigned to the Station Fire Incident Command Center and one captain is assigned to the incident command team for the Morris Fire.

The Station Fire is expected to continue moving eastward today with moderate intensity. There is no anticipation that Pasadena homes and other structures are in danger today.

A community meeting will be conducted by the Station Fire Incident Command Team tomorrow (Thursday) at 7 p.m. at Pasadena Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. City of Pasadena officials will be at the meeting as well.

The Pasadena Public Health Department reminds everyone to take precautions when they are outside and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially people with respiratory or heart disease, pregnant women, elderly persons and children. Schools that are in session, after-school programs and children’s sports organizations are advised to cancel outdoor activities until conditions improve.

Short-term effects of ash and smoke from the fires may include irritation of eyes, airways and sinuses, coughing and/or scratchy throat, headaches and runny nose; long-term effects may include decreased lung function. Children are more sensitive to air pollution because their respiratory systems are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.

High temperatures worsen the affect of poor air quality and can adversely affect the public’s health. Never leave children, elderly persons or pets unattended in closed vehicles, even with windows slightly opened, because the inside temperature can rise to life-threatening levels.

Avoid leaving pets outdoors, especially at night. Pets that appear to be in respiratory distress should be taken to an animal hospital immediately. Respiratory distress symptoms for dogs include panting and/or inability to catch their breath; symptoms for cats can be the same but are less noticeable.

Visit www.cityofpasadena.net/disaster for emergency preparedness information. For more information about preventing the health impacts of smoke visit http://www.aqmd.gov/ej/CAC/wildfire_safety_tips.htm or call the Pasadena Public Health Department information line at (626) 744-6012.

More detailed information about the fires can be found at http://inciweb.org/incident/1856 and at www.altadenablog.com.

Photo: ArroyoLover Blog

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