Lookout Vol Fire Protection Department

01/07/2026

January 7, 2026 - Half-Staff Alert - California

“One year ago, fire tore through Los Angeles, shattering ordinary days and forever changing the lives of tens of thousands of people in Malibu, Altadena, Pasadena, and the Pacific Palisades. In a matter of hours, neighborhoods were reduced to ash, families were displaced, and 31 lives were taken — each one irreplaceable, each one deeply loved. The loss from those fires leaves wounds that time cannot heal.

Today, California remembers and honors those 31 people, grieving with their families and friends. We carry their memory forward, alongside the memory of all Californians lost to wildfires over the years, including those who perished in the Tubbs, Camp, and the North Complex fires. Their memory continues to shape our collective resolve today.

The past decade has seen fires on a scale once unimaginable – driven by hotter temperatures, prolonged drought, and the accelerating realities of a changing climate. Humanity cannot defy nature, but we can meet its challenges with resolve and preparation. California must continue to advance our understanding of wildfire behavior, further strengthen prevention efforts, and continue to enhance emergency response.

This past year, marked by loss, trauma, and uncertainty, has also seen remarkable feats of compassion and solidarity. From the first flames to today, people from across the state, even across the globe, have come together in support of these communities. That spirit of unity will endure beyond this disaster itself – a testament to the strength and heart seen in the recovery. That is the legacy that endures — not only the tragedy California suffered, but the love and humanity that rose in its wake.

In honor of this day of remembrance, I have ordered all flags on state buildings to be flown at half-staff. As we mourn the victims of the Los Angeles fires, we also honor the first responders, community leaders, and public servants who ran toward danger and went above and beyond to protect Angelenos. We recognize the resilience of survivors who continue to rebuild, often carrying grief alongside hope. And we reaffirm a solemn commitment: California will not turn away. We will stand with these communities until recovery is complete, homes are rebuilt, and lives are restored as fully as possible.”

01/06/2026

Flags at half-staff.

RIP Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

12/18/2025

Something BIG is on the horizon…
Make sure to follow our page so you don’t miss any upcoming announcements.

09/14/2025

01/10/2025

Look everyone! HERE WE ARE! just a handful of the men on our department headed to LA and ran into the one… the only….. Mike Rowe.

A Drink Before the War

Last night, I was back in the bar at the top of The Huntley Hotel, nursing a gimlet and pondering the difference between “contained” and “controlled” when five guys walked in who did not resemble the typical clientele. Tee shirts, ball caps and flannel. They were looking for room at the bar, and didn’t hesitate to say hello when they recognized me.

“Holy sh*t!” said one. “What are you doing here?”

I smiled and shrugged. “Everybody’s gotta be somewhere I guess.”

“Are we on an episode of Dirty Jobs?” said another. “Should I call my agent?”

I laughed along with the men and said, “You won’t need an agent for this gig. You're already the stars of the show.”

The men laughed and paused for a photo, at my request. These were firefighters from up north, who had come down to relieve their brothers and sisters who’d been slogging through hell for the last 48 hours. They had just arrived in Santa Monica, where they’d been put up at the same hotel that I’ve been hunkered down in for the last few days.

“A drink before the war?” I asked.

“You know it,” said the short one.

“It’s important to stay hydrated in our line of work,” said another.

A short guy with a wide grin introduced himself as Andy Garcia, and told me that he and his fellow firefighters were part of Lookout Fire Department around Mt. Shasta. Engine 4822 and water tender 4830.

“We got down here as quick as we could,” said Andy. “This is gonna be one for the history books.”

“I’m afraid you’re right about that,” I said.

Earlier that day my friend Manju, the hotel manager at The Huntley, asked me say hello to one of the fire chiefs, who had a video on his phone that simply defied description. It was filmed at 2pm the day before, but it looked like 2am. The sky was filled with black smoke, and dark as pitch. His men were visible however, illuminated by towering flames that surrounded them as they fought to save another home, only to see it crumble before them. The chief wept as the video played.

“My men are exhausted,” he said. “Would it be possible to free up a few showers in the hotel?”

The hotel was slammed, but Manju vowed to find some empty rooms.

"I know that many of our guests would be honored to give up their beds for a few hours," she said.

“Thank you,” said the Chief. “But there’s no need for beds, because there's no time to sleep. Showers though, would go a long way.”

There’s not much new to say about the calamity that continues to unfold here. The situation is, as they say, fluid. Like many of you, I have some thoughts about the policies that precipitated this disaster, and the elected officials who enacted those policies. I also have some strong opinions on what to do with people who fly their drones over a disaster area, and damage the aircraft piloted by men who are trying to fight the fire. Perhaps I'll share some of those thoughts when the inferno is finally contained, or better yet, under control. For now, though, my thoughts are with Dwane, Paul, Alex, Efrain, and Andy. Five guys who stopped by the hotel bar for a drink before the war. Men who traveled hundreds of miles to risk their lives on my behalf.

Thank you gentlemen and be careful out there.

Mike

11/14/2024

Each year thousands of homes experience chimney fires due to improper maintenance of their chimney. In fact, most chimney fires are caused by creosote, which is a by-product resulting from the incomplete combustion of wood. It builds up on the sides of your chimney as a liquid and later condenses into a solid. As it builds up it not only blocks the flue, but can ignite into a fire.
However, these fires can easily be prevented. If you have never had your chimney cleaned and inspected or it’s been a while, CFPD encourages you to take these precautions to prevent a chimney fire in your home by following these steps:
❗️Clean your chimney. It is recommended that you have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year. A professional chimney sweep will do more than brush out your chimney. They will also inspect your chimney for cracks, damage to liners, improper installation and much more.
❗️Use dry wood. If your wood is not fully cured or is wet, it will not burn as hot as dry wood normally does. It will also produce more smoke. Burning wet wood can also lead to creosote building up faster in your chimney. 🔥NOTE: Be sure NOT to burn construction scraps, treated woods or any sappy pines, which can contribute to the creosote buildup.
❗️Burn your wood stove in the “burn zone” daily. If you burn your wood stove hot enough on a regular basis, it will reduce the build up of creosote.
❗️Burn the hardest firewood you can find. Burn hard woods, i.e., hickory, ash, or maple that have been seasoned for at least one year. Additionally, build smaller fires as large compact bundles of wood produce cooler fires.
❗️Lack of air supply also causes chimney fires. If your fireplace cannot draw in enough air, creosote forms. Make sure your damper is open, and once fire is going keep glass hearth doors open to encourage airflow.

10/06/2024

That’s a wrap 🦌! A full house and then some. Thank you all for the support. ❗️71 YEARS❗️We couldn’t have done it without your support.
We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

03/30/2024

10/08/2023

BIG VALLEY FFA Thank You so much for your service. The Tri-Tip and Chicken were fantastic!

10/08/2023

CAL FIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit
You guys rock!
Thank You for your help and support!