SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA – Today, Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) released the following statement regarding the line of duty deaths of two Los Angeles County Firefighters, Fire Captain Tedmund "Ted" Hall, 47, of San Bernardino County, and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones, 35, of Palmdale:
“It is with great sadness that I extend my condolences to the families of our two California firefighter heroes who lost their lives while battling treacherous wildfires in the Angeles National Forest. This is a terrible loss for their families and friends, our community, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the state of California. Their insurmountable bravery calls out to us all as a sign of greatest human giving and daring sacrifice in the name of protecting the men, women and children of our hometowns and neighborhoods.
“Conditions remain dangerous for all those battling the Station Fire and the general public. I join with the Governor and fire and public safety officials in urging residents to be vigilant and follow instructions as issued by local law enforcement and fire officials. My staff and I are standing ready to assist in every way possible. The Governor has declared a state of emergency in four counties, including Los Angeles County, and there is a well-coordinated effort underway between local, state and federal officials.”
Evacuation Centers for Station Fire: Located at La Canada High School; La Crescenta Valley High School and Golden Valley High School, Highland High School, Verdugo High School. Animal Shelters are located at Hanson Dam and Pierce College.
Please find important statewide shelter information below:
- PV Fire: An American Red Cross shelter at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School was closed as of 08/28/09.
- Gloria Fire: American Red Cross shelter has been opened at Soledad High School, 425 Gabilan Drive, Soledad. Overnight Shelter population was five (5).
- Station Fire: American Red Cross shelter has been opened at La Canada High School, 4463 Oak Grove Drive in La Canada. Overnight Shelter population was 25.
- La Crescenta Valley High School; 2900 Community Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214;
This shelter opened at 1300 hours on 08/29/09.
- Glendale Civic Auditorium; 1401 N Verdugo Rd., Glendale, CA 91208
- Verdugo Hills High School;10625 Plainview Avenue, Tujunga, CA 91042
- Morris Fire: An American Red Cross Center has been established at El Roble Intermediate School, 665 North Mountain Ave, Claremont. This is a day use only center.
- Big Meadow Fire: American Red Cross (ARC) opened a shelter at the Mariposa Elementary School, 5044 Jones Street. Overnight Shelter population was one (1).
This and additional important, up-to-date information is available on McKeon’s official Web site at www.mckeon.house.gov.
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