BREAKING NEWS news, when fire hits home
9:10 AM October 13, 2008
There are a variety of ways to gauge the seriousness of a local story while sitting in a TV newsroom. This morning, I was preparing our entertainment news features when our assignment desk literally erupted. "This IS big," shouted out one of the guys who dispatches our reporters.
Suddenly the scramble was on. "Breaking News" to my mind is a phrase that is often over-used and to a degree has been devalued, but this morning was the real thing. As the Marek Fire took its' toll on a mobile home park and a variety of other structures our KTLA reporters and camera crews were being routed and re-routed.
"Have her take a cab home and get that truck to Sylmar right now," was the next thing I heard. (I guess the web is susposed to be totally uninhibited, but it probably doesn't serve this report or reporter to put in the swear words I heard as well....which were both colorful and to my ear quite funny.)
Another way to gauge the seriousness of a local story is if we stop running commercials. The accountants don't like that very much; but from about 6:30 a.m. this morning straight through nearly 9 a.m...it was all Marek all the time. And that was the right call.
I think in the coverage of certain stories, there is always that tipping point. Any fire is bad, but just how bad is this one going to be? As I write this, I think things tipped towards safety around 8:30 a.m. this morning. Obviously things can change, and we have so many people in position now; that if the fire were to re-erupt, we would be all over it, which you would think would prompt the guys on the assignment desk to stop swearing....but it hasn't.
I don't know about you, but I love my house. It is my biggest, really my only, investment. It's where my children are growing up and so many memories are made. Everytime one of these fires happens, I am sure we all think; "there, but for the grace of god go I." Maybe that is one reason the coverage is so compelling. Maybe it is just something about flames themselves. Either way, it seems, for the most part, we dodged a pretty big bullet today. I just hope we are as lucky during the inevitable next time.
Posted by Sam Rubin | Permalink | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
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Once again, big fires started just days after KTLA announced that fire deprartments were preparing for big winds and fires.
Does anyone profit when there is a big fire?
Are any of the helicopters and supertankers privately owned?
Is any other fire-fighting equipment privately owned?
Do federal/State/County/City fire fighters make "extra" money on big fires?
Are there "private" fire fighters that receive government funds?
Posted by: Rene | October 13, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Good grief!
Re:
"Does anyone profit when there is a big fire?"
What do you mean "profit"? Don't just throw out a potential insinuation like that and not explain YOUR reason for asking.
"Are any of the helicopters and supertankers privately owned?"
I believe some are (e.g., Super Scoopers, that may actually be owned by the Canadian government and are leased out at specific times), but if you would take the time to do some research you would find that most of the helicopters (FireHawk, SkyCrane) are government-owned. So, since Canada may own and lease out the Super Scoopers, do you believe Canada has a reason to "enjoy" fires like this?
"Is any other fire-fighting equipment privately owned?"
Don't know and would advise you to do your own research. That said, in emergencies, agencies have the right to commandeer privately-owned equipment (examples - bulldozers to cut fire breaks)
"Do federal/State/County/City fire fighters make "extra" money on big fires?"
If by "extra" money you mean overtime for working up to "24 (hour) on/24 (hour off" shifts during the course of a fire (and they are still onsite on the "off" time and subject to being called back to the lines), then they do. They also lose their lives as several have in recent fires (e.g., Idylwild fire), sometimes they lose their homes to fires like this. Money can't bring them or their homes back to their families.
"Are there "private" fire fighters that receive government funds?"
Again, do your own research.
And, I have a suggestion; many fire departments offer "ride along" programs - maybe if you participated in one you would better appreciate the work these men and women (yeah, there are women firefighters on the lines) do on the behalf of people in harm's way.
Posted by: Idaho | October 13, 2008 at 10:53 AM
It is good to see that KTLA is back. Todays coverage of this fire remineds me of the Clet Roberts time at your staion.
Keep up the good work
Posted by: John Lockie | October 13, 2008 at 01:18 PM
CSUN is closed for the day due to fires, we're still not sure about tomorrow we are suppose to wait for further messages regarding it.
Posted by: Tiffany | October 13, 2008 at 02:39 PM
The Morning News Team is really great! I watched from 8:00 until I left the house at 10:00 and when I returned at 1:45, You were all STILL THERE. You were real troupers. I hope you all got bathroom and lunch breaks because you seemed to be either on camera or voiceover nearly all the time. Sleep well tonight. See you in the morning.
Posted by: Mary Sampson | October 13, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Let's remember that our family and friends are the ones affected by these fires. No sensationalism -- just people taking a few possessions, enough to get by a couple of days.
We as a community need to be there for our family , friends and neighbors. Let's remember what is imoportant in this life!!!!
Posted by: Melodie | October 13, 2008 at 08:40 PM
First, I want to compliment KTLA on it's great job of reporting. I was surprised to learn that coverage continued through out most of the day. KTLA was once again,a NEWS STATION again, today. EVERYONE did a great job. I was pleasantly surprised at how well Jessica did 'in the field'. I have been in the past critical of her as a co-anchor. BUT today she and ALL of the reporters and anchors really 'stepped up' and did great. I also want to compliment'Idaho' on his response to 'Rene'. KTLA, and all of the fire responders, you all are doing a great job. Unfortunately, it looks like the fire responders still have many full days ahead of them. Good luck to them and stay safe. Prayers are with the folks who have been affected by these fires.
Posted by: Judy | October 13, 2008 at 09:07 PM
As someone who had to leave ther home at 5:30 this morning because of the Sylmar fire. I noticed that the coverage dropped when the Porter Ranch started. So for the rest of the day I had trouble finding out if my home was lost or not. It was the same with all the stations. The stations should consider this with their coverage. Not drop one news story for another when people need information that effects their lives.
Posted by: Paul | October 13, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Paul,
Are you our Pro-Obama Paul?
I hope your home is safe... I too- had fire anxiety today. Let us know if you are okay!
Our prayers are with you!
PLM
Posted by: proud liberal mom | October 13, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Can you guys fly or take a picture of what Camp Karl Holton looks like after the fire. Staff and minors were trapped for hours without light, fire everywhere the night the fire broke out. This is the place where the Marek fire started, not the shooting range.
Posted by: Staff | October 14, 2008 at 04:36 AM
Frank--When did you sleep yesterday? I know you were on until at least 2:00 pm, maybe later, and then I saw you on the 10:00 News. And again this morning when I got up. I hope you are getting overtime pay for all that. Great job, all of you.
Posted by: Mary Sampson | October 14, 2008 at 05:23 PM
PLM posted:
"Are you our Pro-Obama Paul?
I hope your home is safe... I too- had fire anxiety today. Let us know if you are okay!"
Yes! I'm the Pro-Obama Paul. And my home is safe thanks to the wonderful job of the firefighters. The fire came close to our homes, but no one lost their homes. To all the firefighters. Great job!!!
Posted by: Paul | October 14, 2008 at 08:07 PM
That's fantastic news, Paul.
Hope all is well with you, too, PLM.
Obama/Biden '08
Posted by: jozielee | October 15, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I am learning more about urls are you?
Posted by: Kandi Dava | October 15, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Glad to hear you're safe Paul! Thanks also Jozie Lee for your well wishes.
I agree with you Paul...The Firefighter are truly the heroes of our day to day lives!
God bless them...and keep those good guys (and gals) safe while they work hard to save lives and possessions!
Posted by: PLM | October 16, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Hey, has anyone heard about the new president nominee! Michael Douglas Carlin has set his mind to be kind and create world peace. With his book "A Prescription For Peace", he has great ideas of saving the environment from another great depression. If you want more information about how Michael Douglas Carlin will save our world, go to www.mikecarlinforpresident.info.
Posted by: Marti | October 19, 2008 at 08:57 PM
My child was in the same Special Day Class as Jeremiah last year at High Desert Junior High School. My child is described exactly as Jeremiah is, big for his age, gentle, and sweet. My child experienced the same teasing, bullying, and miserable experience at school. Bullying was one of the main reasons I moved from the district. When I heard what happened I burst into tears, thinking that could have been my child. Every student, parent, and teacher in the community needs to take responsibility to make changes and make a difference. The District needs to implement a Safe School Ambassadors program in which the students are empowered to speak up against their peers. The students are the first to see and hear the what goes on. They have the ability to make our schools safer, they just need the tools to do so. It does not do any good to have In Service discussions for staff about bullying, when the the Administration does not back the teachers up when they report it. The Acton-Agua Dulce School District needs to allow parents to be present on all campuses, especially at breaks and recesses. The more adults present, the safer the schoools will be for all! The entire community needs to come together and demand the District make these changes. It is tragic that Jeremiah took his life. It is equally as tragic if we,individually and as a community, do not address how we treat others on a daily basis. You can state there is 0 tolerance all you want! Jeremiah was compelled to take action, and this was because we did not. I mourn the loss of Jeremiah as I would my own son, because if I had not taken action, this could have been my child. Teach our children about tolerance, and love, and courage. Lead by example! Make changes happen not just discuss them. Each and every one of us needs to take responsibility for what happened and responsibility to ensure that there is 0 tolerance for bullying, teasing, or putting other people down, not just at school but in every day life! For life is what Jeremiah couldn't bare anymore, and life is what he took.
Posted by: Angela Toghia | October 21, 2008 at 09:38 PM
WHERE ARE THE SUPER SCOOPERS FOR THIS FIRE IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY?
Posted by: JAMES B | November 15, 2008 at 08:14 AM
the shots you are showing ,listed as corona is actually yorba linda!
Posted by: Steve griggs | November 15, 2008 at 12:12 PM