Latest news with #fireofficials
CBS News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
8 swimmers rescued after lifeguards leave for day in Long Beach, New York
It was all hands on deck at a New York beach when eight swimmers needed to be rescued after lifeguards left their posts for the day. While Friday's warm weather brough families out to Long Beach to catch some rays and take a dip in the water off Long Island, it was a different story earlier in the week when riptides and poor water conditions kept crews busy. About 15 minutes after their last rescue Thursday at Monroe Beach, lifeguards who were scheduled to train after hours decided to stay there to practice. Then, they spotted two victims on the Long Beach Road jetty getting sucked out by riptides. One woman was easily pulled back in, but the water was so strong it took two tries to get her boyfriend to safety. "He was out of it. He was done. He was done and taking his last breath when my rescue swimmers got off the jet ski and grabbed him up. I mean 100%, I'm confident that he would have been gone had we not been there," Jake Jacobi, a former fire chief and water rescue coordinator, said. More victims were spotted while that man was being taken to safety. "I notified them to take them to the east side of the beach roads, a little calmer, and luckily on the way in, they saw three other victims on the Monroe jetty that were clinging to the jetty and out at the end of the jetty," Jacobi said. In total, fire officials said eight people had to be saved within two hours of lifeguards leaving their posts for the day, thanks to the emergency response crew that remains close by until 8 p.m. "Police actually went in the water as well and they were able to bring the victim in," Chief Rich Borawski, with the Long Beach Lifeguard Patrol, said. The hectic situation was caused by a mixture of riptides, a sandbar and poor water conditions. "We had both jet skis operating within the reach of each other and all of our membership right in the same area, which is a little hectic at times because you have a lot of different things happening and you're trying to keep up," Chief John Marino, of the Long Beach Fire Department, said. The fire chief said every victim pulled from the water was stable and expected to be OK. He said a large number of rescues after lifeguard hours is not unheard of, but it does not happen often.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Deer Creek Fire continues to spread into Colorado
MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – The Deer Creek Fire continues to spread as strong winds pushed the blaze about 2 miles over the Colorado-Utah border. The fire, which started on July 10 in Utah and spread nearly 15,000 acres, has provided quite the challenge for firefighters. Heavy equipment, engines and crews moved into Colorado due to the wildfire, and now engines are staged along CO Highway 90 and in Paradox. According to fire officials, difficult weather conditions are still in store over the next few days. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, which could produce gusts up to 60 miles per hour. Crews and dozers will continue creating a containment line to protect structures at risk. Seven percent has so far been contained. Depending on whether winds become too strong, aircraft will be used along with hand crews and heavy equipment, mostly on the north and east, where the fire is most active. Aviation resources have dropped nearly 300,000 gallons of retardant on the surrounding area. Fire officials said anyone who is sensitive to smoke exposure should limit time outdoors and consult a doctor if necessary. Over 400 personnel members have been dispatched to the wildfire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How officials plan to tackle the South Rim Fire
MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) — On Friday, multiple fire officials and agencies released updates and plans to address the South Rim Fire, which is one of two lightning-caused fires in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park that started on Thursday. As of 3:26 p.m. on Friday, the fire has not been contained and has grown to 1,640 acres. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has been evacuated and closed. Additionally, Highway 347 is closed at the junction of Highway 50. There are no evacuations currently in place in Montrose County outside of the national park; however, pre-evacuations have been issued to residents nearby. Officials report that smoke may be visible in the area, which can settle into valleys and other low-lying areas at night and in the early morning hours. Residents are advised to avoid as much smoke exposure as possible since prolonged exposure may cause health issues. On Thursday, officials successfully evacuated the national park and started operations to protect structures by using retardant in vegetation clearing around park structures and homes. A firing operation late Wednesday evening was conducted to protect the Black Canyon visitor center from damage. Some park equipment and outbuildings in the area have been reported to have suffered damage. Meanwhile, aviation resources had provided retardant, mapping and aerial supervision to officials and ground crews. On Friday at 6 a.m., officials part of a Type 3 Incident Management Team had taken over the incident, in which the team had worked with the park and local cooperators to develop firefighting strategies. Fighterfighters will focus on protecting structures by using engines, water tenders and aircraft if needed. Airtankers and other aviation assets will supply retardant, water buckets and assist with mapping and aerial supervision. Overall, the incident will focus on the following objectives: Providing safety for firefighters and the public by using a risk-based approach to decision making. Protecting critical values, including residences, power infrastructures, cultural sites, the Black Canyon Visitor Center and the administration building. Limiting fire spread towards critical values by combining the use of heavy equipment, aviation, crews and engines. For more information about the South Rim Fire, residents can email or call 970-240-1070. WesternSlopeNow will update this story as it develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CTV News
08-07-2025
- CTV News
Suspicious fire causes $1M damage at Collingwood industrial complex, OPP investigating
Provincial police are investigating what is being considered a suspicious fire that caused roughly $1 million in damage at an industrial complex in Collingwood. Police say the fire broke out around 3 a.m. on Monday at the complex on Sandford Fleming Drive in the town's east end. 'Initial reports indicated that the fire originated in a storage shed located at the northeast corner of the property,' OPP stated in a news release. 'At the time, the cause was considered non-suspicious.' However, later that morning, police say fire officials discovered surveillance footage that 'raised concerns about the cause of the fire.' The OPP crime unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire. Residents and businesses are urged to check video surveillance, including dash camera footage, of the area from Sunday around midnight to Monday around 3 a.m. and contact the authorities at 1-888-310-1122 with any information. "Anyone that was in the area of Sandford Fleming Drive at that time who may have seen any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity is asked to call us," OPP added.
CBS News
01-07-2025
- CBS News
California more than doubles illegal fireworks seizures so far this year, issues July 4 warning
What you need to know about California's July 4th illegal fireworks crackdown What you need to know about California's July 4th illegal fireworks crackdown What you need to know about California's July 4th illegal fireworks crackdown Hot and dry weather across California is fueling a Fourth of July warning from both the Governor's Office and state fire officials: illegal fireworks will not be tolerated. Gov. Gavin Newsom's office announced on Monday that so far in 2025, a statewide illegal fireworks crackdown has been working. Over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives have already been seized. That's more than double the amount taken off the streets in all of 2024. "We've seen an uptick in recent years of illegal fireworks seized," said Kara Garrett, a Cal Fire spokesperson. Cal Fire says Californians need to remember there is a zero-tolerance policy for illegal fireworks use, which could result in a $50,000 fine and jail time. "The sale, transport, or use of fireworks without the Office of the State Fire Marshal safe and sane seal is illegal. As is possessing or using fireworks in any communities where they are not allowed," Garrett said. Some California communities ban all fireworks, meaning even safe and sane fireworks are not allowed. Before lighting off anything in celebration of the Independence Day holiday, it's important to check the rules exactly where you live. Since January 2024, Cal Fire says fireworks have sparked 1,230 fires and caused over $35 million in damage statewide. "Let me be clear. Fire conditions are elevated. The recent surge in wildland fires is proof of that. The Fourth of July holiday, coupled with fireworks, will significantly heighten that danger of new wildfire," Garrett said. This week, the sale of safe and sane fireworks at stands across the region is expected to ramp up. TNT stands allow nonprofits to sell the products and help raise money for their organizations from part of the proceeds. In West Sacramento's Walmart parking lot, the Knights of Columbus were hard at work selling products on Monday afternoon. "You can buy a few of these here and light 'em off all at once, have a little grand finale," said John Archuleta with the group, showing CBS13 the "larger" legal fireworks they sell. The free gift with each purchase is Cal Fire's take-home message, a safety write-up on a card given to each customer. A QR code on the card shows people how to safely use and dispose of safe and sane fireworks. "It's the first thing we do is put this into the bag. Because it's safety first," Archuleta said. From wildfire, to loss of homes, property or even life -- Cal Fire says leave your firework celebrations to the professionals and avoid steep fines for breaking the law by lighting off what's illegal.
