Latest news with #FireDistrict
CBS News
03-07-2025
- General
- CBS News
Lathrop fire crews emphasize firework safety after blaze caused by city's birthday celebration
Lathrop residents got more than what they anticipated from the city's birthday celebration and fireworks show Tuesday night. "We had some small spot fires that occurred as a result of the fireworks launch, which were controlled pretty quickly," Lathrop-Manteca Fire District Chief David Bramell said. "Then we had some fireworks that went beyond, or at least some embers from the fireworks, that went beyond our fallout zone into some vegetation that was a little thicker." This isn't uncommon for fireworks shows. Because of that, crews at the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District were prepared. "We evaluate, we look at the permitting process, we make sure that things are in accordance with standards and policies and then we provide staff to that is dedicated to stand by at the incident," Chief Bramell explained. "Then, because it's a big community event, we also have additional resources that are at the event itself, which was the case [Tuesday] night." Due to this five-to-10-acre blaze, Chief Bramell wanted to make a point for those considering hosting their own illegal fireworks show. "It's very important to understand that in an event like this, we were prepared with resources on site and that's why we're able to handle the fire relatively quickly," he said. That statement was proven true less than 24 hours later when a new fire sparked next to Tuesday night's blaze. Crews put out the flames quickly Wednesday, but it shows how fast a fire in these conditions can get out of hand and why illegal fireworks are outlawed. "We knew where it was going, but that is not the case for the lay person out there," Chief Bramell said. "We do admonish people to exercise caution on the 4th and to not use dangerous fireworks, illegal fireworks, at all." He went on to say the city has hosted this event at the same site for fireworks shows over the past several years and has experienced similar fires to the one seen Tuesday night. Regardless, he said the district is evaluating how the event was handled and if they need to make any improvements for future events.
CBS News
24-06-2025
- CBS News
Lathrop traffic stop leads to nearly a ton of illegal fireworks being seized
Nearly a metric ton of illegal fireworks were recovered, and one person was arrested, during a recent vehicle stop by Lathrop police. In a post on Monday, Lathrop Police said the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District and San Joaquin County's Explosive Ordinance Division helped safely secure these items. Some of the fireworks seized by authorities in Lathrop. City of Lathrop Police Department In total, authorities say 1,815 pounds of illegal fireworks were seized. Additionally, police say 72 homemade explosives were also recovered. Police did not give any information about the person arrested. San Joaquin County has adopted stricter enforcement ordinances for 2025 against both illegal and "safe and sane" fireworks. Residents are being urged to review these rules before the Fourth of July.
CBS News
25-05-2025
- CBS News
Search underway for woman who fell into South Yuba River in Nevada County
A woman in Nevada County remains missing after falling into the South Yuba River on Saturday evening, the Nevada County Consolidated Fire District said. Around 8:30 p.m., Fire District crews were sent to the South Yuba River near the Highway 49 bridge for reports of a person falling into the water. Emergency crews immediately launched a search and rescue operation. The Fire District said they had crews doing bank-side observation and swift water teams and aerial surveillance teams involved in the effort. The woman was not found on Saturday, and search efforts were suspended for safety reasons. Search and rescue members from the Nevada County Sheriff's Department took over the search effort on Sunday. "The South Yuba River is known for its cold, swift waters and slippery rocks, which can create hazardous conditions even for experienced swimmers," the Fire District said. A search is still underway for the woman.
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
San Joaquin fire agencies on alert during Red Flag Warning
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY — High winds, high heat and low humidity are the trifecta that sparks a Red Flag Warning. "We just came out of the rainy season, and we've had a few weeks now for some pretty dry weather with some winds, so it's drying everything out," Waterloo-Morada Fire District Chief Eric Walder said. This Red Flag Warning spans as far north as Redding to as south as Modesto. In San Joaquin County, the highest threat of fire is being seen in the northern part of the region. Because of that, fire crews like the ones at the Waterloo-Morada Fire District are on high alert. "When we do have a Red Flag Warning, it alerts us that the conditions are right," Chief Walder explained. "So, above and beyond our normal readiness, we could pre-position extra resources. We can also have more personnel come in." Crews are more than ready for the call, but there are ways you can help your local first responders before it's too late. "We've seen through this last fire season the dangers of having normal combustible plants and vegetation around your house, and that's why the state is sort of moving to the new Zone Zero compliance, where five feet around the home should be down to non-combustibles," Chief Walder said. The region recieved a good amount of rain this past winter. It caused a lot of growth, so when the summer hits, that turns into larger fuel. San Joaquin County has a weed abatement ordinance, which means weeds must be cut back and be below six inches. As Chief Walder says, even the smallest spark can cause a huge blaze. "Cigarette, ember, a chain dragging behind a trailer, anything's going to start a spark, which is going to start the fire. We had had some rain, so we have a large grass crop this year," Walder explained. "Right now, any field that's dry can catch fire and can cause some problems with structure protection as well." He went on to say it is a bit early to see winds and conditions in May, but usually, once June hits, that's when you can see these conditions worsen and those larger fires start sparking.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Apartment fire displaces dozens in St. Lucie County
ST. LUCIE COUNTY − More than 30 people were displaced following a May 11 fire at apartments on East Weatherbee Road, according to the St. Lucie County Fire District. About 11:38 p.m., Fire District crews went to the 'multi-unit apartment fire' at the location in the 500 block of East Weatherbee Road, which is east of U.S. 1 and north of East Midway Road. 'Although the fire was limited to a portion of the building, the entire 12-unit complex was affected due to a necessary power shutdown, displacing all 33 residents,' the Fire District stated. The Fire District stated firefighters worked to contain the blaze to four apartments. New home in Port St. Lucie: Severely injured U.S. Army veteran provided new home through Helping a Hero, others 2024 sheriff's election scrutiny: Part of contentious St. Lucie County Sheriff's race under investigation There were no injuries, and the cause is under investigation. The Fire District reported the fire was extinguished by 12:44 a.m. Red Cross officials are helping the displaced families. Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Dozens displaced after apartment fire in St. Lucie County
