By Susan Hartley Santa Monica
As Joseph Parda wrote (page 4, Letters to the editor, June 2), Santa Monica cannot afford delayed response time for emergencies. While our fire and police departments are terrific, our current system is inadequate and must be remedied before tragedy strikes.
On April 9, 2008, while out walking my dogs in Sunset Park around 4:20 p.m., I came upon a fire in the alley at 21st Street between Hill and Ashland. There was heavy black smoke and roaring flames four to five feet wide behind the house on Ashland. I signaled a car and asked the driver to call 911. Other neighbors and passersby gathered and said they also called 911. We waited and waited. We were relieved to hear sirens but puzzled to hear them cease with no fire truck in sight. Finally a passerby stopped his truck, grabbed his two fire extinguishers, and started fighting the fire, but the fire persisted. By then at least 15 to 20 minutes had passed. The black smoke was asphyxiating and the flames were growing. Out of desperation I started heading to Fire Station #5 (two blocks from the fire) to tell them about the fire. Just then another passerby stopped his truck, grabbed his fire extinguisher, sprayed the fire and put it out. Thank heavens for good Samaritans. At Ashland near 23rd I encountered a lone firefighter in full gear on foot. It was now at least 4:40- 4:45 p.m. When I told him where the fire was, he said they were told it was as 23rd and Ashland. I never saw a fire truck or a police car.
The next day I checked out the location of the fire. It must have been a burning garbage can. The metal fence and nearby vegetation showed signs of the fire. Had the fence been made of wood, it surely would have ignited given the fire’s size and intensity.
I contacted the city about the inadequate response time. Chief Hone said the caller reported the fire in the alley off 23rd and Ashland and that the response was within the “expected time standards.” Every second does matter. We need to take whatever steps are necessary to have a better communication system in order to shorten that expected response time — even if it means not relying on Los Angeles and spending more money. Our residents, business owners, police officers and firefighters deserve the best.
Now I personally don’t take any chances. My cell phone is programmed for the Santa Monica Police Dispatch Center (310 458-8491) and when I walk my dogs, I carry it with me.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 12, 2008. Read the original PDF.