Rim SAR Retrieves Missing Hiker on the PCT (9/27/09)

The call came about 1830 Sunday evening that a 67-year-old experienced hiker was missing. He was last seen at the bridge crossing Deep Creek near Splinter’s cabin. He and two companions had planned to hike the Pacific Crest Trail using a car shuttle from Fawnskin to Splinter’s Cabin. He apparently missed the turn-off to the cabin and continued on down the PCT. He was described as wearing a blue bandana, red T-shirt, blue shorts and white running shoes (did I say that his hiking companions were female?) When have you ever had such a complete and accurate description of a hiking ensemble from a male companion? The search planning seemed easy enough the question was how far to extend the coverage, Devil’s Hole, Bradford Ridge Path, the spillway? 40 King was also called the same time as us and was able to locate the subject on the PCT near a bridge. It sounded like it would be the bridge near Devil’s Hole but the possibility of the bridge beyond the Hot Springs was a possibility also. When 40 King mentioned that there was a road near him the Devil’s Hole location seemed the best.

The subject was advised to stay put and that help would be on the way. The team sent to Devil’s Hole found the subject in about 5 minutes with the report that the subject decided not to stay put. It did make the search quicker but we were glad that he didn’t get passed the road and heading all the way back to Splinter’s Cabin. This is the second call out this year in the same location and for the same reason. Seems like a sign indicating the way to Splinter’s Cabin might be helpful.

 

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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Mud Run Info for Volunteers

Parking: Park your car at Glen Helen North Training Facility - See Attached Map.  This is the site where BSAR is held.  You will be transported to the CP from this location.  You Must be at the parking lot by 0515. 

Uniform : Standard unit uniform.

Refresehments: Coffee and breakfast pastries will be provided.  Water will be provided but consider bringing a couple of extra bottle with you in a small ice chest.

Dave Nicolet, Director
San Bernardino County Sheriff Department'sInland Empire Search and Rescue Council
davenicolet@earthlink.net
760-363-7475
760-831-5743

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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Director's Dialogue September 2009

The Oak Glen and Pendleton Fires kept some of your units busy for a couple of days. East Valley Posse, West Valley Posse, Morongo Mounted SAR, Morongo SAR and San G responded to the call that went out on Sunday August 30th. Thank goodness that these fires were not as big as some of the others that have been occurring around the state in the last couple of weeks.

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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.

Mud Run September 12, 2009

DATE: August 22, 2009
FROM: Dave Nicolet, Director
TO: All SAR Personnel
SUBJECT: Mud Run – September 12, 2009

The Mud Run Committee needs our help. Deputy Marion Brown of Volunteer Forces, who is on the committee, is in charge of volunteers for this event. She needs some volunteers to help out.

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Helitac Class

DATE: August 22, 2009

FROM: Dave Nicolet, Director

TO: All SAR Personnel

SUBJECT: Helitac Class – September 6, 2009

There are still some openings for the Helitac Class that is being hosted by the SAR Council on Sunday, September 6^th. This class starts at 9 a.m. and will be held at Aviation in Rialto.

If you would like to attend please contract me at davenicolet@earthlink.net Reserved seats are on a first come – first serve basis.

NOTE: If you have at an earlier date expressed a desire to attend this class, please contact me to confirm that you still plan on attending…Thank You!

Be Safe
Dave