The International Technical Rescue Symposium (ITRS) 2009

If you are interested in broken gear, and a series of differential equations that can explain the dynamic events that lead up to the breaking of the gear, then ITRS is for you. For three days in November each year, rope rescue practicioners from around the world converge in a conference room to present, argue, and discuss the finer points of rope rescue. While much of the audience is involved in wilderness rescue, representatives from many organizations and jurisdictions fill the room.

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Tom Harrison Maps UTM Reader

Larry Reinhart from San Gorgonio SAR recently shared a UTM reader that is useful for the popular Tom Harrison 1:4750 maps. As with the other readers, I recommend printing on overhead transparency media then laminating them. 

As mentioned at the last IESARC meeting, please send any forms or other tools that you find helpful in your SAR efforts. I post them in the "Documents" section of the website.

Update on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 10:43 by Jeff Lehman

Larry has updated the file to contain readers for most of the popular map scales in this series of maps. The file now contains readers for the San Jacinto, Angeles, Baldy, and Whitney regions in addition to the San Gorgonio region.

40-K Locates and Extracts Lost Hiker

This evening, RIM SAR responded to a call for a search for a lost hiker near The Pinnacles northwest of Lake Arrowhead. At first, it was thought to be too windy for 40-K to fly, but while 15 members of the team were enroute, the hiker was found and extracted by the helicopter.

RIM SAR Passes Technical Rope Evaluation

Congratulations to RIM SAR, who successfully passed their rope re-certification on Sunday, October 25. To maintain rope rescue status, teams must pass a certification every two years. The certification process is comprehensive, and includes a gear check as well as a rescue scenario. Members of the Rope Rescue Oversight Committee (RROC) are the evaluators, and they look for a safe and efficient process.  RROC is composed of two members from each rope-certified team. Currently there are five rope-certified teams in San Bernardino County: The Cave & Technical Rescue Team, Rim of the World SAR, San Gorgonio SAR, West Valley SAR, and Wrightwood/Phelan SAR.

PVS, BRT, and Land Nav 9/12/2009

The initial plan for the weekend was to complete our Personal Vertical Skills (PVS) and Basic Rope Technician (BRT) check-offs on Saturday and complete a land navigation exercise on Sunday. We thought that we were going to have additional SAR members from other teams coming to the check-off so we rigged a boat-load of ropes.

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Dan's Big Day

Bob Gattas, Dave Bullock, and I decided to drop in on Dan's wedding reception. The caper also included help from my sister, Jennifer, her daughters Morgan and Kayley, and my daughter, Grace. Below are a few highlights of our adventure in graphic novel format.

First, it was a bit of a challenge to accurately time our entrance.

We showed up, just as the happy couple were making the rounds,

We even brought our own props,

They even tolerated a photo with us,

 Dan, we wish you and Megan the best!

2009 Legislative Changes to Liability for Good Samaritans

In August the legislature passed, and the governor signed into law, two measures in response to the Supreme Court ruling in Van Horn v. Watson. The court chose a narrow interpretation affording liability protection only to medical assistance. Due to fears that laypeople or volunteers would be reluctant to render aid, the legislature passed these measures to firm up the law surrounding good samaritans, and their assumed liability. Now, it seems, that only egregious gross negligence will get you into legal trouble. Click the link below to read the actual document from CalEMA.

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Fire Information

Information on the Oak Glen fire can be found at www.inciweb.org/incident/1873/.

Information on the Station Fire can be found at www.inciweb.org/incident/1856/

Update on Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 23:11 by Jeff Lehman

A few interesting photos for the Oak Glen Fire can be found at www.rimoftheworld.net/4033

Update on Monday, August 31, 2009 at 8:30 by Jeff Lehman

This, from the most recent incident report (from inciweb.org) on the Oak Glen Fire,

Fire burned aggressivley throughout the night. Relative Humidity recovered some during the night and began to drop back down around 0300 hours. Fire is fuels and topography driven.

Aggressive fire fighting and air attack made good progress on the fire. Poor humidity recovery and heavy, old fuels have promoted active burning during the night and significant increase in acreage. Coordination with Sheriff on evacuation continues as needed.

Road Closures--Oak Glen Road from Casa Blanca Street to Wildwood Canyon Road. Large animals can be taken to the Yucaipa Equestrian Center 13273 California Road. For animal emergencies related to the fire, call San Bernardino County Animal Control 1-800-472-5609. Resources assigned: 41 engines (60 on order), 5 water tenders, 18 hand crews (more on order), 4 dozers, 7 helicopters, 6 airtankers and Martin Mars and DC-10.

Update on Monday, August 31, 2009 at 14:30 by Jeff Lehman

Inciweb reports that the Oak Glen Fire is 1000 acres and 25% contained.

Update on Monday, August 31, 2009 at 19:00 by Jeff Lehman

Additional fire in Yucaipa, the Pendleton Fire, has grown to more than 150 acres. From Inciweb.org,

The nearby Pendleton Fire started at 3:30 pm on August 31st near the intersection of Pendleton and Date Streets in Yucaipa. It is currently at 150 acres and burning east towards Wildwood Canyon Park at a moderate rate of spread in heavy fuels.

Update on Monday, August 31, 2009 at 23:08 by Jeff Lehman

The following SAR teams were involved with the Oak Glen evacuations: Morongo Mounted, Morongo Basin SAR, San Gorgonio SAR, West Valley Posse, East Valley Posse, SB Mountain SAR and Valley of the Falls.

Update on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 8:32 by Jeff Lehman

The following is a map maintained by the LA Times. It seems to be one of the better-updated maps. It is centered over the Station Fire, but you can scroll over to the Oak Glen and Pendleton Fires.

View Los Angeles area fires: Mount Wilson, La Canada Flintridge, Altadena, La Crescenta, Glendale, Pasadena, Acton, Agua Dulce in a larger map

Update on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 14:38 by Jeff Lehman

The current fire map of the Oak Glen and Pendleton Fires.Per the fire information line, the Pendleton Fire is up to approximately 840 acres. Approximately 1200 personnel on scene. The Pendleton Fire has caused the evacuation of 900 homes and approximately 2100 residents.

View Larger Map

Update on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 0:36 by Jeff Lehman

The Oak Glen Fire is 40% contained and no longer being updated on inciweb.org

Update on Friday, September 4, 2009 at 9:20 by Jeff Lehman

Cool photomap of the photos taken by LA Times photographers. You can visit the site here.

7th Annual Night at the Improv

San Bernardino Mountain SAR is hosting their annual fundraiser on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at the Ontario Improv. Read the flyer at sbmountainsar.org for more information.

SPOT Messenger Information

Updated on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 11:39 by Jeff Lehman

The following post from 14ers.com is generating some interesting discussion. For those responding to SPOT calls, it is worth a read. This incident took place in Colorado.

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