ARFF Daily News

Wednesday the 8th of January, 2025

First, the sad news from Honolulu, Hawaii of the LODD of F.F Jeffrey Faila, “A husband and dedicated public servant" with a year and a half on the Honolulu F.D.

F.F Faila and four other Firefighters were trapped after a roof collapsed while fighting a fire in a two story residential structure. The other four firefighters were seriously injured but none are reported with life threatening injuries.

Our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of F.F Faila, as well as to our Brothers and Sisters of the Honolulu, Hawaii F.D.

And our thoughts and prayers also go out to our Brothers and Sisters fighting, as well as all affected by the massive fires currently burning through Southern California.

Be safe out there!

Tom

Honolulu Firefighter Killed in Roof Collapse Identified

Honolulu's fire chief said firefighter Jeffrey Fiala, who was trapped by a roof collapse, had been with the department for less than two years.

Source The Honolulu Star-Advertiser

A photo of Honolulu firefighter Jeffrey Fiala, 25, was placed today outside of the Young Street residential building where he was killed Monday night fighting a three-alarm building fire.

The 25-year-old firefighter killed in the Young Street fire Monday night has been identified as Jeffrey Fiala.

Honolulu Fire Department Chief Kalani Hao said today that Fiala, who had been with HFD for about a year and a half, and was dedicated member of the department who served with honor and courage.

“This tragedy has been truly heartbreaking for all of us, ” Hao said at a news conference at HFD headquarters in Kakaako.

He said Fiala was known for his enthusiasm and love for the job.

“Everyone just loved to be around him, ” Hao said, noting that he had a “short career but made a great impact.”

Hao said the other four firefighters who were seriously injured in the fire were scheduled to be discharged today from the Queen’s Medical Center. He said their injuries appear to be “minimal ” and that he was more concerned for their emotional well-being following the tragedy.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi issued a statement “mourning the tragic loss of one of our brave firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice while heroically serving our city last night.”

“In the early hours of a dangerous fire in McCully, Jeff Fiala, just 25 years old, lost his life in the line of duty during a building collapse, ” the mayor said. “A husband and dedicated public servant, he had been with the Honolulu Fire Department for a year and a half, bringing a sense of passion and commitment to protecting our residents.”

Blangiardi said his office will work closely with HFD to “provide the support and resources needed to honor his legacy and assist his family.”

Honolulu Fire Department Chief Kalani Hao said outside Straub Benioff Hospital in Honolulu that a firefighter who had been with the department for a year and a half had been “tragically killed … young man … very tragic.”

Four other firefighters were hospitalized at the Queen’s Medical Center, Hao said in a brief joint appearance with Mayor Rick Blangiardi. A sixth person, a civilian, was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

“It’s a very difficult time for us, ” at HFD, Hao said. He thanked the community for their prayers and concerns.

Hao said the cause of the firefighter’s death is still under investigation.

“We’re off to a tough start to this year, ” Blangiardi said, referring to a December plane crash that killed two young pilots, the deadly New Year’s fireworks explosions, and Monday’s night’s fatal fire.

Of Honolulu’s first responders, Blangiardi said, “These men and women stand ready each and every day to put their lives on the line.”

Firefighters responded to a 7 :42 p.m. 911 call for a building fire at 1645 Young St. in the Pawaa-McCully area and the first HFD units arrived at 7 :45 p.m. to find smoke but no flames coming from the two-story residential building, HFD officials said.

HFD Capt. Jamie Song told KHON and Hawaii News Now that a “mayday ” call was issued at 7 :58 p.m. because two firefighters were declared missing inside the structure that had a partial roof collapse.

Song said one of the firefighters was able to get out on his own but the second firefighter was “extricated ” from the first floor by other firefighters at 8 :24 p.m.

Besides the firefighter who died, a civilian and four firefighters were taken to the hospital in serious condition, according to Song.

At 8 :29 p.m., HFD called a third alarm, requiring more units and firefighters, and they had the fire under control at 9 :07 p.m., according to HFD. The fire was declared extinguished at 11 :31 p.m., according to HFD, which responded with 23 units and about 61 personnel.

Police and Honolulu Emergency Medical Services personnel also responded. Police closed Young Street in both directions as emergency crews responded.

The Hawaii Red Cross officials said in a news release that volunteers responded to the 10-unit complex, “meeting with affected residents to ensure their immediate emergency needs are met.” They opened a shelter for displaced residents at the McCully District Park Gymnasium, 831 Pumehana St. The shelter is only for residents affected by the Young Street fire, according to the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management.

“Volunteers will continue to follow up with anyone affected in the coming weeks to provide referrals, guidance or additional assistance as needed to help with the recovery process, ” Red Cross officials said.

In a statement Tuesday, Gov. Josh Green said, “I am deeply heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of one of our brave firefighters in the line of duty. This hero selflessly put their life on the line to protect others, embodying the very best of who we are as a community.

“Our hearts are with his family, loved ones and fellow firefighters who were injured during this profoundly difficult time.”

https://www.firehouse.com/lodds/news/55253527/honolulu-firefighter-killed-in-roof-collapse-identified

Major Wildfires Around Los Angeles Still Uncontained—Here’s What To Know

By Antonio Pequeño IV and Siladitya Ray - Forbes Staff

Topline -  Three major wildfires that began Tuesday continued to spread unabated across Los Angeles County early Wednesday, propelled by powerful winds, as authorities ordered the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and warned the situation could worsen.

Key Facts

Three major wildfires—the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire—now cover more than 5,600 acres of area around Los Angeles County, with 0% of the fires contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

A major traffic jam was reported Tuesday in the Pacific Palisades area as tens of thousands of people attempted to flee the fire—including some who reportedly abandoned their vehicles on the road—which prevented emergency vehicles from reaching the affected areas.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Tuesday night as he urged residents to heed evacuation orders and said, “This is a highly dangerous windstorm creating extreme fire risk, and we’re not out of the woods.”

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning (warm temperatures, strong winds and low humidity) for Southern California that spans from Tuesday to Wednesday in the Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and from Tuesday to Thursday in the San Bernadino, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties.

How Big Is The Palisades Fire?

The Palisades Fire began around 10:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday and has burned more than 2,900 acres as of 5:30 a.m. PST on Wednesday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which issued evacuation orders for residents of the Palisades and for those living along a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. About 30,000 residents in the Palisades and nearby areas are under evacuation orders, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department, as Cal Fire reported 0% fire containment as of early Wednesday.

How Big Is The Eaton Fire?

The second blaze, called the Eaton Fire, began on Tuesday evening in Eaton Canyon near the San Gabriel Mountains and grew rapidly overnight to cover 2,227 acres as of Wednesday morning, with 0% contained. The Eaton Fire also triggered a round of mandatory evacuations in the nearby areas of Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre. City officials said at least 550 homes in Pasadena are affected by the evacuation orders, which cover large portions of the city’s northern neighborhoods along with most of eastern Altadena and nearly the entirety of Sierra Madre.

How Big Is The Hurst Fire?

The Hurst Fire was reported later on Tuesday night after it broke out near the Los Angeles-area suburban neighborhood of Sylmar, north of the rest of the city. Shortly after it was reported, the Los Angeles Fire Department issued evacuation orders in the area, warning of a “rapid rate of spread.” As of the last update provided by Cal Fire at nearly 5 a.m. PST on Wednesday, the Hurst fire also rapidly grew to cover 500 acres, 0% of which has been contained.

How Will The Santa Ana Winds Affect The Fires?

Officials have expressed concern that fast moving winds in the area could worsen the wildfires on Wednesday. Wind gusts of up to 99 mph were reported near Altadena and other nearby areas early on Wednesday. The National Weather service forecast wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph in parts of southern California and up to 100 mph gusts in mountains and foothills into Wednesday night. The conditions are the result of a wind pattern called the Santa Ana winds or “devil winds” which are often fast-moving, dry and warm winds that originate inland, around Nevada and Utah, and blow towards the coastal regions of Southern California.

Which Schools Are Closed Due To The Wildfires?

Several schools across the affected region closed on Wednesday, including six schools under the Los Angeles Unified Schools District like Palisades Charter Elementary School. All schools under the Pasadena Unified School District will remain closed on Wednesday as well to “allow our crews time to evaluate and repair damages” caused by the Eaton fire. Several other school districts in the region have also cancelled classes Wednesday, including the Glendale Unified School District, the Alhambra Unified School District, South Pasadena Unified School District, South Pasadena Unified School District and Burbank Unified School District. Pepperdine University’s Malibu and Calabasas campuses closed Wednesday because of nearby fires, the university announced, though the flames “pose no immediate threat” to either campus.

Which Events Are Cancelled Due To The Wildfires?

The Screen Actors Guild canceled it in-person awards nomination ceremony on Wednesday because of the wildfires “in an abundance of caution.” The nominations will be announced on the SAG Awards website on Thursday, the guild said. Universal Studios said its park in Hollywood would close Wednesday because of “extreme winds and fire conditions,” adding they expect to reopen on Thursday.

Have The Fires Caused Power Outages?

More than 220,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles County were without power early on Wednesday morning, according to PowerOutage.US. The LA Department of Water and Power said its crews were responding to the impact of the windstorms and wildfires.

Has The Fire Impacted Flights From Lax And Other Airports?

Los Angeles International Airport, located about 19 miles south of the Pacific Palisades, has not experienced significant flight delays or cancellations as of Wednesday morning, according to FlightAware. Some flights are disrupted at the much smaller Hollywood Burbank Airport: About 9% of departures are cancelled and another 16% are delayed Wednesday.

What Other Areas Face Fire Risks In Southern California?

The National Weather Service’s fire outlook warns of elevated to critical fire weather Tuesday across much of southern California. The range of the critical fire weather alert will expand by 278 square miles Wednesday to a total of 5,035 square miles in the region. The NWS also issued an extreme fire weather alert—its highest designation for fire potential—from Wednesday to Thursday for a 1,463-square mile stretch of land that includes areas such as Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Altadena, Moorpark and Santa Paula.

Crucial Quote

“California has deployed 1400+ firefighting personnel & hundreds of prepositioned assets to combat these unprecedented fires in LA. Emergency officials, firefighters, and first responders are all hands on deck through the night to do everything possible to protect lives,” Newsom said on X.

Key Background

The appearance of weather conditions suggestive of La Niña, a climate phenomenon linked to drier conditions and drought in southern parts of the U.S., have likely contributed to prime fire conditions across southern California. Los Angeles in particular has seen an underwhelming amount of rain in the last eight months alongside a dry winter. The last time the city recorded over a tenth of an inch of rainfall was last May, according to the Los Angeles Times, contributing to drought. The mix of dry conditions and strong winds are the main catalysts of Tuesday's fires and also contributed to another fire in the Pacific Palisades in 2021 that burned more than 1,200 acres.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2025/01/08/wildfires-around-los-angeles-continue-to-spread-rapidly-as-tens-of-thousands-are-ordered-to-evacuate-photos/

Major rescue operation underway as plane crashes off Rottnest Island

By Rhiannon Shine, Rebecca Trigger, Keane Bourke and Gian De Poloni

Three people have been seriously injured, and three others are unaccounted for following a seaplane crash off Rottnest Island.

Police say a privately owned aircraft crashed into the water after hitting a large rock near Thomson Bay at 4pm AWST.

WA police confirmed seven people were on board the plane, including one pilot.

Three people were seriously injured and have been airlifted to hospitals in Perth.

Three other people remain unaccounted for.

A seventh person was uninjured.

St John WA confirmed two women in their 40s were among those seriously injured.

"I do want to reassure the community that we have significant resources on scene, and we are doing everything that we can," WA police commissioner Col Blanch said.

Two rescue aircraft, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service helicopter, have taken patients to both Royal Perth Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital.

The three patients taken to Fiona Stanley have serious injuries, but are in a stable condition.

Witnesses shocked

Greg Quin is staying on the tourist island with his family and witnessed the crash.

"We were watching the sea plane take off and just as it was beginning to get off the water, it just tipped over and it crashed," he told ABC Radio Perth.

"It was a complete shock.

"A lot of people in the water on their boats rushed to the scene and I think got there really, really quickly which was just amazing.

"But it very quickly got caught up in the wind and the current and began drifting [it] away.

"It was pretty scary to see, there is a lot of people in the area quite worried and not quite sure what's going on."

Mr Quin estimated the plane only reached up to three metres in the air before crashing.

Wreckage breaks apart

Aerial vision taken at the scene shows the plane nose-down in the ocean with its tail in the air and broken parts of the aircraft floating nearby.

Boats surrounded the site of the crash, including police, rangers and civilian vessels, while the WA rescue and police helicopters circled from above.

Part of the plane's landing gear was later seen being towed to shore as the bulk of the aircraft slowly started to disappear into the water.

At the island's port, rescue personnel were seen wheeling a person on a stretcher into the back of an ambulance before driving off.

In a post on social media, WA Premier Roger Cook said images of the crash were "deeply concerning".

"My thoughts are with all those affected, and I want to thank our first responders who are attending to the crash site," the post reads.

"I am being briefed on the situation and I will provide an update as more information becomes available."

Plane was 'brand new'

Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 shows the aircraft accelerating to 117 kilometres per hour as it prepared to take off towards Perth, before the tracking ends.

West Australian firm, Swan River Seaplanes, who run scenic flights to Rottnest, had only just acquired the Cessna 208 a few days earlier from an east coast business.

Flight records show it left Sydney on December 28 and only arrived in Perth the following day.

David Marriner from the Queensland-based Trans Tasmanian Air Services told the ABC he had only just transferred its operating licence to Swan River Seaplanes.

"It's a brand-new plane, it's done very little work," he said.

"I believe they commissioned it about a week ago."

Mr Marriner said he believed Swan River Seaplanes wanted another aircraft to help them out during their busy tourist season.

Mr Marriner said it was very fortunate people had managed to get clear of the wreckage to be rescued, and he hoped the buoyancy of the design may have assisted.

"They are planes designed to be on water, … they have time before they sink," he said.

Historical records on the site show the aircraft regularly taking off and landing on the Swan River near Perth's CBD, and near Rottnest.

Company records show Swan River Seaplanes is joint-owned by Kristy Lee Bailey and Dean Kingi.

Ms Bailey told the ABC the firm was working with authorities but couldn't provide any further updates, other than what police had advised.

Swan River Seaplanes was founded in 2016 by Ms Bailey, pilot Troy Thomas and his wife Sophie Thomas.

Mr Thomas was killed in a helicopter crash in July 2020 in WA's north, which also claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl.

The ABC has been told the Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) is gathering further information on the crash before confirming whether it will investigate.

It's understood investigators from the east coast were preparing to deploy to Perth if needed.

Rottnest Island, about 30 kilometres off the coast of Perth, is popular all-year round with tourists and known for its population of quokkas, a small marsupial.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-07/rottnest-island-plane-crash/104793466

JetBlue passenger accused of opening emergency door as flight starts at Boston's Logan Airport

By Tammy Mutasa

BOSTON - A passenger on a JetBlue flight opened an emergency exit door and deployed the slide while the plane was taxiing at Logan Airport in Boston Tuesday night, the FAA said. 

Witnesses said the man was arguing with his girlfriend before he opened the door at about 7:30 p.m. on Flight 161. The Airbus A320 was headed to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

There were no injuries reported, according to Massport.

Restrained by passengers

A spokesperson for JetBlue said the passenger opened an overwing exit "for unknown reasons" and remained on board the plane.

Massachusetts State Police said troopers responded to reports of a disturbance on the aircraft after it had entered the active taxiway. One person was detained.

"Shortly before takeoff, a passenger who wanted to deplane opened an aircraft door suddenly and without warning," state police said in a statement. "Other passengers restrained the individual until troopers arrived on scene to detain them for further questioning."

The passenger, who has not been identified yet, is expected to face charges and will be arraigned in East Boston District Court Wednesday.

Passenger says man was arguing with girlfriend

Passenger Fred Wynn talked to WBZ-TV from the plane. He said the man was sitting right behind him with his girlfriend.

"Boyfriend and girlfriend were arguing behind in me," Wynn said. "Boyfriend got mad, got up walked down the center aisle, grabbed the emergency door, ripped it off, completely off. FBI agent tackled him, handcuffed him. Shortly after, state police came on board and took him off."

Passengers on other flights say they were delayed because of the incident.

"They just said there was a disabled plane on the runway, which was a little concerning, never heard that before," said Tim Wahl, who was arriving in Boston from Phoenix. 

Wahl says his flight was circling around Boston delayed. When it finally landed, he saw the commotion. 

"We flew over the plane that was stopped. There was a bunch of police outside, apparently somebody deployed the emergency slide. Wild," Wahl said. 

State police said preliminary information indicates it was an isolated incident and there was no threat to public safety. The FAA is investigating.

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/jetblue-passenger-emergency-door-slide-logan-airport/

NTSB Prelim: Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II

(Pilot) Started Losing Considerable Lift Accompanied By The Sound Of Blades Whooshing

Location: Durkee, OR Accident Number: WPR25LA034
Date & Time: November 7, 2024, 08:37 Local Registration: N4361R
Aircraft: Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 133: Rotorcraft ext. load

On November 7, 2024, about 0837 Pacific standard time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R-44 II, N4361R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Durkee, Oregon. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 133 external load flight.

The pilot reported that he picked up the first sling load and his power check was fine. Once at the mountain campsite, he reassessed the winds and power then descended at a rate of about five ft per minute. While over the area where he would drop off the gear to ground members, he started losing considerable lift accompanied by the sound of blades whooshing. He did not hear the low rotor horn sound, but also had his head out of the door while looking at the load. 

He released the load and entered and autorotation. The ground members had moved to the center of the clearing, so the pilot maneuvered to the only feasible landing spot, which was a sloped area between juniper trees. During the descent, the blades struck a tree, the right skid hit the ground, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side, which substantially damaged the main and tail rotor assemblies, and the fuselage.

The pilot estimated the load to be about 410 pounds, and the elevation of the drop off site was about 5,300 ft mean sea level, with a temperature of about 1°C.

The helicopter was recovered to a secure facility for further examination. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

Today in History

5 Years ago today: On 8 January 2020 Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, a Boeing 737-800, was struck by a missile takeoff from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, Iran, and crashed. Al 167 passengers and nine crew members on board were killed.

Date: Wednesday 8 January 2020

Time: 06:18

Type: Boeing 737-8KV (WL)

Owner/operator: Ukraine International Airlines

Registration: UR-PSR

MSN: 38124/5977

Year of manufacture: 2016

Engine model: CFMI CFM56-7B24E

Fatalities: Fatalities: 176 / Occupants: 176

Other fatalities: 0

Aircraft damage: Destroyed, written off

Category: Unlawful Interference

Location: near Sabashahr -   Iran

Phase: En route

Nature: Passenger - Scheduled

Departure airport: Tehran-Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA/OIIE)

Destination airport: Kyiv-Borispol Airport (KBP/UKBB)

Investigating agency: AAIB Iran

Confidence Rating:  Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:

Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, a Boeing 737-800, was struck by a missile takeoff from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, Iran, and crashed. Al 167 passengers and nine crew members on board were killed.

The Boeing 737-800, registration UR-PSR, had landed on schedule at 00:57 hours local time at Tehran. The return leg back to Kiev was due to depart at 05:15 local time (01:45 UTC).

In the meantime, around 02:15 hours local time in Iran, numerous ballistic missiles were fired from Iran towards U.S. bases in Iraq in response to the killing of Major General Qasem Soleimani by a United States drone strike.

As a result this military operation changed the alertness level of Iran's air defense. At approximately 04:00 the military sector informed the civil sector of the country's Airspace Control that only the flights already detected and cleared for flight operations by the defense network could be permitted to start up. This would ensure the correct identification of civil flights by the defense network and avoiding targeting them by mistake.

At 05:49 the doors were closed and the aircraft was ready to depart. Two minutes later the flight requested the to start up the engines.

After contacting the Area Control Center, the ATC unit requested clearance for the Ukrainian flight at 05:52. The Area Control Center forwarded the request for flight PS752 to the Air Defense Coordination Center, which subsequently issued the clearance accordingly.

The aircraft then taxied to runway 29R and commenced the takeoff roll at 06:11. After takeoff the flight contacted Mehrabad Radar and was cleared to climb to FL260 and turn right after reaching 6000 feet, heading direct to the PAROT reporting point.

As the aircraft was climbing after departure, it appeared on the air defense system. However, a wrong initialisation procedure of the system's north alignment had induced a 107-degree error in the system. Thus, the direction of objects and targets detected by this system was being observed with an increase of 107 degrees by the operator.

At 06:13:56, the air defense unit operator detected a target at his 250-degree azimuth, flying on a 52-degree course. At the same time, PS752 had been flying towards the defense system from a 143-degree azimuth. The aircraft was flying a 309-degree course.

At 06:14:21, the operator notified the specifications of the detected target to the Coordination Center over the communication network. The notification was not communicated successfully.

Meanwhile the system operator began analyzing the observable information and categorized the detected target as a threat. At 06:14:41, without receiving any response from the Coordination Center, the air defense unit operator fired a missile at the threatening target he had detected.

Under the applicable procedures, if the defense system operator cannot establish communication with the Coordination Center and does not receive the fire command, they are not authorized to fire.

The missile radio fuse was activated at 06:14:59. At that point flight PS752 was at 8100 feet at a position about 20 km west-northwest of the airport.

After the first missile radio fuse was activated, the air defense unit radar still locked on the target, and the defense system kept detecting and tracking it. By observing the continuity of trajectory of detected target, the second missile was fired at the aircraft by the operator of defense system at 06:15:11.

At 06:45:24, the last communication between the missile and the defense system was recorded in a place close to the aircraft route. After that, the defense system showed a message indicating the strike had failed, with the aircraft clearing from the radar lock-on after some time.

The aircraft turned to the right and about 06:16:11, a fire broke out on the aircraft, which was intensifying. Altitude was lost and at 06:18:23, the aircraft crashed into a playground in Khalajabad near Shahedshahr area, 15 km north of the airport. It disintegrated completely and wreckage was strewn along a 300 m long path.

Cause of the Accident

The air defense's launching two surface-to-air missiles at the flight PS752, UR-PSR aircraft the detonation of the first missile warhead in proximity of the aircraft caused damage to the aircraft systems and the intensification of damage led the aircraft to crash into the ground and explode instantly.

Other Contributing Factors

- The mitigating measures and defense layers in risk management proved to be ineffective due to the occurrence of an unanticipated error in threat identifications, and ultimately failed to protect the flight safety against the threats caused by the alertness of defense forces.