Home » Press Release Archive

Press Release Archive

Fire Chief Announces Appointment of John Davis to Assistant Chief of Support Services 7/11/2023

Long Beach, CA – Today, Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Chief Dennis Buchanan announced the appointment of Assistant Chief John Davis, as the newest member of the Long Beach Fire Department Command Staff.

Fire Chief Announces Appointments of Deputy Fire Chief and Assistant Chief Positions 5/15/2023 Long Beach, CA – Today, Long Beach Fire Department Chief Dennis Buchanan announced the appointment of two Assistant Chiefs as a part of Long Beach Fire Department Command Staff.
Statement from the Long Beach Fire Department on the Death of Firefighter Gavin Escobar 9/30/2022 The Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) issues a statement on the death of Firefighter Gavin Escobar, who died in an off-duty accident that occurred on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, in Idyllwild, CA.
Long Beach Fire Promotes New Leadership to Command Staff 1/26/2021 Long Beach Fire Chief Xavier Espino has selected Assistant Chief Jeff Hardin, a 23-year veteran of the Fire Department, and Assistant Chief Dennis Buchanan, a 27-year veteran of the Fire Department for promotion to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief. Chief Hardin will take over as the Deputy Chief of Operations after the recent retirement of Deputy Chief Ray Toohey. Chief Buchanan will assume the role of Deputy Chief of Support Services that was recently vacated by Deputy Chief Robbie Grego who has now assumed the role of Fire Marshal for the City and will lead the Fire Prevention Bureau after the recent retirement of Deputy Chief Matt Gruneisen.
Long Beach Fire Investigators Arrest Serial Arsonist 1/15/2021 On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, in partnership with the Long Beach Police Department, Long Beach Fire Department Arson Investigators arrested Christopher Allen Phillips in connection with a series of four fires that occurred in the Belmont Shore area during the evening of December 31, 2020 and early morning hours of January 1, 2021. Video camera footage played a significant role in this arrest.
Fire Chief Xavier Espino Presents Retirement Award to LBFD's First Search Canine 12/17/2020 The City of Long Beach Fire Department announced today the retirement of their first search and rescue Canine.  The dog, a Black Labrador Retriever named “Rex” has faithfully served the City of Long Beach, the State of California, and the Country for the last 11 years. “Rex” was placed with his handler, Fire Captain Wade Haller on June 9, 2009.
Long Beach Lifeguard Tryouts 2019 3/8/2019 On Saturday, March 9th, 2019, beginning at 8:00 a.m., the Long Beach Fire Department will hold an open test for anyone interested in becoming a Seasonal Lifeguard.
Memorial Services for Long Beach Firefighter Chris Parker 2/19/2019 The Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) was saddened to announce the death of Firefighter Chris Parker, who passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, February 8, 2019.

Firefighter Chris Parker, a 20-year veteran of the Long Beach Fire Department, was appointed to the department in 1998. He served as a firefighter assigned to various stations throughout Long Beach spending multiple years at Fire Station 1 located in the downtown area.  Other assignments included time as a Fire Investigator with the Arson Unit. His last duty assignment was at Fire Station 13 located on the west side of Long Beach. 
Long Beach Fire Department Promotes First Female to the Rank of Battalion Chief 1/18/2019 On January 19, 2019, the Long Beach Fire Department will promote the first female Battalion Chief since the department’s establishment in 1897. Battalion Chief Karen Rindone has been assigned to the Operations Bureau and will work as the District 1 Battalion Chief on the B-platoon. This promotion is a major milestone for the fire department and the City of Long Beach.
Memorial Services set for Long Beach Fire Captain Dave Rosa 6/28/2018 Memorial Services for Long Beach Fire Captain David Rosa have been set for Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. in the arena located at the Long Beach Convention Center.  The convention center is located at 300 East Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, California.  The memorial services will be open to the public and will be followed immediately by a reception in Captain Rosa’s honor that will take place in the same venue.
Long Beach Fire and ATF Arson Unit Task Force make an Additional Arrest Relating to Multiple Fires in Belmont Shore and Naples area of Long Beach, CA. 6/20/2018 On Tuesday, June 19th, 2018, an additional arrest was made in connection to the most recent string of fires in the Belmont Shore and Naples area of Long Beach, California.  All three suspects linked to the fire at Dogz Bar and Grill.
Long Beach Fire and ATF Arson Unit Task Force make 2 Arrests Relating to Multiple Fires in Belmont Shore and Naples area of Long Beach, CA. 6/18/2018 On Saturday, June 16th, 2018, two arrests were made in connection to the most recent fire that occurred at Naples Elementary School that was reported to the fire department at 6:14 PM that day in which damage was sustained to an exterior classroom. Two suspects were arrested and taken into custody.
Long Beach Firefighters Receive Mental Health First Aid Training 5/16/2018 Firefighters learn the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems. In addition, they learn about the importance of early intervention and how, as first responders, they can intervene in the field and provide direct assistance to someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
Active Shooter Exercise in Port of Long Beach Enhances Operational State of Readiness 3/28/2018 Multiple agencies came together to train and exercise our operational state of readiness for an active shooter incident in the cruise terminal located at the Port of Long Beach.
Long Beach Firefighters to Shave their Heads to Support Childhood Cancer Research 3/8/2018 Long Beach firefighters will team up with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation – the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, and support “Long Beach Shaves for Kids,” a head-shaving fundraiser to help find cures and better treatments for pediatric cancers.
Long Beach Lifeguard Tryouts 2018 2/26/2018 On Sunday, March 4th, 2018, beginning at 8:00 a.m., the Long Beach Fire Department will hold an open test for anyone interested in becoming a Seasonal Lifeguard.
Mental Health First Aid Training for Fire Recruits 2/23/2018 Training provides firefighters with a better understanding of mental illnesses so they can respond more effectively to mental health related incidents.
Man in Full Arrest After Fall from Belmont Pier 9/22/2017 Man falls from Belmont Pier: Pulses/BP restored in route to hospital
4th of July Fireworks Safety Message 6/26/2017 All fireworks including "Safe and Sane" are illegal in Long Beach.
All Fireworks are Illegal in the City of Long Beach 6/12/2017 A reminder to residents and visitors that all fireworks, including those marked “Safe and Sane,” are ILLEGAL in the City of Long Beach.
Long Beach Fire Department Promotes 5 to Fire Captain 6/1/2017 Today, the Long Beach Fire Department recognized 5 individuals who were recently promoted to the rank of Fire Captain.
Early Morning Apartment Fire in Long Beach Leaves One Dead. 5/30/2017 An early morning apartment fire resulted in the death of an adult male. The fire was contained to the apartment of origin. No other injuries were reported and no other residents were disp...
Fire Station 18 Undergoing Station Renovations. 4/26/2017 Fire Station 18 located in East Long Beach is currently undergoing tenant improvements to update aging station infrastructure.
Long Beach Firefighters Brave a Shave for Kids with Cancer 3/21/2017 Long Beach Firefighters team up with St. Baldrick's Foundation to support children fighting childhood cancers.
Long Beach Firefighters Brave a Shave for Kids with Cancer 3/21/2017 Long Beach Firefighters team up with St. Baldrick's Foundation to support children fighting childhood cancers.
Lifeguards Rescue Fisherman after Vessel Collides with Breakwall 3/14/2017 Lifeguards rescue fisherman after vessel collides with breakwall due to heavy fog
Fatality Fire on the 5500 Block of Dairy Avenue. 1/1/2017 Apartment fire in Long Beach leaves one deceased. Six other patients evaluated onscene. One patient requires further treatment and transport to the hospital. Family of five displaced.
Historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot destroyed in early morning fire. 9/16/2016 The Long Beach Fire Department responded to an early morning fire at Willow Springs Park where a historic city building was destroyed.
Six passengers rescued from a sinking boat off the coast of Long Beach 7/21/2016 At approximately 6:00pm on July 21, 2016, Long Beach Fire Department's Marine Safety Rescue Boats 1 and 2 responded to a 36-foot power vessel sinking approximately 2.5 miles from shore with 6 passengers aboard. The passengers included three adults, two kids, and one infant.
4th of July Safety: There’s No Safe Way to Use Consumer Fireworks 7/1/2016 As the Fourth of July approaches, the Long Beach Fire Department is reminding the public that there is no safe way to use consumer fireworks. Please remember all fireworks are illegal in the City of Long Beach, even the so-called “Safe and Sane” variety.
Long Beach Fire Promotes 7 Members 6/30/2016 The Long Beach Fire Department recognized seven members that were promoted today to various positions within the Fire Department.
4th of July...Be Safe and Celebrate 6/24/2016 The City of Long Beach reminds all residents and visitors that all fireworks, even the so-called "Safe and Sane" variety remain illegal in the City of Long Beach.
4th of July Reminder...All Fireworks in Long Beach are Illegal. 6/16/2016 The Long Beach Fire and Police Department's would like to remind residents and visitors that all fireworks, including those marked "Safe and Sane" are illegal in the City of Long Beach.
Celebrate the 4th of July...But Follow the Law! 6/7/2016 All fireworks including "Safe and Sane" are illegal in Long Beach.
City of Long Beach Deploys Incident Management Team members to Coleman Fire in Central California. 6/6/2016 Long Beach deploys 6 firefighters and 3 police officers to Type 3 Incident Management Team to Coleman Fire in Central California.
Assistant Chief Dave Kean Retires from the Long Beach Fire Department 3/19/2016 On Friday, March 18th, Assistant Chief Dave Kean announced his retirement from the City of Long Beach.
Long Beach Lifeguard Tryouts Take Place of March 6th, 2016 3/2/2016 On Sunday, March 6th 2016, beginning at 8 AM the Long Beach Fire Department will hold an open test for anyone interested in becoming a Seasonal Lifeguard.
Long Beach Fire Promotes 9 Members and Recognizes others for their Service and Heroic Actions 2/18/2016 The Long Beach Fire Department recognized nine individuals today that were promoted to various positions within the Fire Department. In addition, others were honored for their service and heroism.
Residential Fire in Long Beach Leaves 1 Woman Dead. 1/13/2016 Long Beach Fire units responded to a reported structure fire on the 2300 block of Daisy Avenue. One deceased victim found as firefighters search the residence.
Long Beach Continues to Prepare for El Niño Impacts. 1/7/2016 The Long Beach Fire Department is working with multiple City departments to inform, educate, and prepare our residents for El Niño.
All Fireworks in Long Beach are Illegal. 12/29/2015 Reminding all residents and visitors that ALL fireworks in Long Beach are illegal. Please enjoy a safe New Year. If you "See Something, Say Something." Please call 9-1-1 if you observe dangerous or illegal activities.
2nd Alarm Structure Fire on the 3400 Block of Ransom Street 12/21/2015 Long Beach Fire units respond to a structure fire on the 3400 Block of Ransom Street. One Firefighter injured. At least 9 people displaced. Red Cross providing additional assistance. Three SAVE Cards issued.
2nd Alarm Structure Fire on 2000 Block of Chestnut Ave. 11/20/2015 Long Beach Firefighters respond to a fire in Long Beach that displaces 16 people. Red Cross provides additional support. One SAVE Card issued.
Passing of Fire Captain Ryan Thornton 10/1/2015 Long Beach Fire Captain Ryan Thornton passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 30th, 2015.
Tsunami Advisory Issued for Local Coastal Areas 9/16/2015 Due to a magnitude 8.3 earthquake near the coast of central Chile the Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach have been issues a Tsunami Advisory by the National Weather Service.
Structure Fire on the 2600 Block of Deforest Avenue 8/9/2015 At 0015 hours, Long Beach Fire units arrived onscene of a structure fire on the 2600 Block of Deforest Avenue. 2 people were displaced. No injuries. SAVE Card issued.
2nd Alarm Structure Fire on the 1400 Block of Atlantic Avenue 7/21/2015 A 2nd alarm structure fire occurred in a vacant 2.5 story single family dwelling on the 1400 Block of Atlantic Avenue. One firefighter was injured and transported to a local hospital.
Local Beaches Closed due to Lightning Activity in the Area 7/18/2015 Effective immediately, the City of Long Beach has closed all area beaches and waterways due to lightning activity in the area. The Belmont Pier has also been closed until further notice.
2nd Alarm Fire in Long Beach Injuries 2. Multiple Residents Displaced. 7/16/2015 Long Beach Fire units responded to a structure fire on the 400 block of Chestnut Avenue. Long Beach Police Officers pull two people out of the fire. Both patients were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Power Outage affects areas of Downtown Long Beach 7/15/2015 Downtown Long Beach has been impacted by a widespread power outage that has affected approximately 4,800 customers. Southern California Edison works to restore services as quickly as possible. It is unknown how long residents will be without power.
Falta de Electricidad afecta varias areas en el Centro de Long Beach 7/15/2015 El Centro de Long Beach a sido impactado por falta de electricidad que a afectado aproximadamente 4,800 clientes en el area. Southern California Edison esta trabajando para reconectar la electricida lo mas rapido possible.
Garage Fire 3000 Block of East 64th Street 7/14/2015 Long Beach Fire units responded to reports of a garage fire on the 3000 block of East 64th Street. No injuries. Cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Long Beach Fire Department’s Canine Search and Rescue Program Receives $10,536 Grant. 6/26/2015 The Long Beach Fire Department receives $10,536 donation to further develop and enhance their Urban Search and Rescue Canine Program.
Structure Fire Displaces 8 in Long Beach 6/24/2015 1st Alarm Structure Fire in Long Beach displaced 8 people this evening. No injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
All Fireworks are Illegal in Long Beach 6/23/2015 With the 4th of July holiday fast approaching, the Long Beach Fire and Police Departments would like to remind residents and visitors that all fireworks, including those marker "Safe and Sane," are illegal in the City of Long Beach.
Single Engine Plane Crash at Long Beach Airport 6/18/2015 A small single-engine plane crashes on the perimeter fence at Long Beach Airport. The pilot is transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
Local Beaches are now Open to Public 6/5/2015 Effective 0800 hours today, Friday, June 5, 2015 local area beaches are now open for public use.
Long Beach Fire Congratulates 4 During Promotional Ceremony 6/4/2015 Today, the Long Beach Fire Department recognized four individuals that were promoted to leadership positions within the Fire Department.
Updated Beach Closures due to Petroleum Product Washing Ashore 6/4/2015 The Long Beach Fire Department continues to monitor the current situation on our local beaches.
Beach Closures due to Petroleum Product Washing Ashore 6/3/2015 The Long Beach Fire Department in collaboration with other City of Long Beach governmental agencies have determined that in the best interest of public safety, the immediate closure of area beaches is required from 1st Place through 72nd Place.
Apartment Fire at 1086 Stanley Avenue in Long Beach 3/27/2015 At 12:05 AM on the morning of March 26th 2015, Long Beach Fire Department units responded to reports of a structure fire at 1086 Stanley Avenue.
2nd Alarm Fire in Long Beach 3/3/2015 At 11:55 AM today, Long Beach Fire Department units responded to reports of a structure fire at 3400 East 1st Street. The first fire engine arrived at 11:57 AM. Engine 2 reported finding a 2 story, single family home with heavy fire observed on the first floor. The firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack and began vertical ventilation operations to support fire suppression activities. It was immediately determined that the owner of the home had escaped the fire and that he was alone when the fire started. There were no other reports of occupants inside the building.
LBFD 2nd Alarm Fire: 6500 Block of Brayton Ave. 2/1/2015 Shortly before 5 pm, Long Beach Fire Units responded to a structure fire on the 6500 Block of Brayton Ave.
LBFD 2nd Alarm Fire: Paradise Gardens 6400 Block of Atlantic Ave. 2/1/2015 Shortly before 7 am this morning, Long Beach Fire Department units responded to the Paradise Gardens Apartments on the 6400 block of Atlantic Ave.
2nd Alarm Fire at Hof's Hut in Bixby Knolls: Firefighter injured 1/19/2015 Shortly after 9 pm January 18, a fire broke out in the kitchen ventilation system at Hof's Hut Restaurant in Bixby Knolls. There were patrons eating in the restaurant at the time of the fire.
Single Vehicle Accident @Chester Pl./Fairbanks Avenue: 16-year old Teen Comes to Victims Aid 1/14/2015 A 16 year-old teen, on his computer at the time, heard the crash and looked out the window of his residence and saw the female driver still strapped in the vehicle upside down.
Two Fires on Hill Street in Long Beach Ruled Arson 11/14/2014 Long Beach Fire Department Arson Investigators are asking for assistance from the public in their investigation into two suspected arson fires that started on November 12, 2014 at approximately 8:00 PM in the City of Long Beach.
Long Beach Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Mobilization Exercise - October 18th 2014 10/16/2014 The California State Regional US&R Task Forces are comprised of 29 people specially trained and equipped for large or complex urban search and rescue operations. The Task Forces can be mobilized within 45 minutes and depart for operations anywhere in California.
Fire Prevention Week 2014 10/7/2014 This week is Fire Prevention week and the Long Beach Fire Department wants to make sure that we encourage members of our community to take appropriate actions to make sure our homes, workplace, local businesses, places of worship, and other public areas are free from hazards and that appropriate steps are taken to place smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers in appropriate places.
Fire Prevention Week 2014 - Spanish 10/7/2014 Las alarmas de incendio que funcionan pueden hacer una diferencia que implique salvar la vida en un incendio. Ese es el mensaje detrás de la campaña de la Semana de Prevención de Incendios de este año, “Las alarmas de incendio en funcionamiento salvan vidas: ¡Verifique el funcionamiento de las suyas en forma mensual!”
LBFD Confined Space Rescue of Two Workers in Electrical Vault 9/24/2014 On Wednesday, September 24th at 8:26am, Long Beach Fire Department Units and the Urban Search & Rescue Team were dispatched to the 3700 Block of Country Club Drive for reports of two workers trapped in an underground electrical vault.
Long Beach impacted by smoke conditions from the wharf fire in the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) 9/23/2014 The wharf fire in the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) is having impacts on Long Beach. Our Fire Department has responded to calls for mutual aid and has sent resources to assist
Woman Attacked by Dog: Fire Department Crew Intervenes 9/22/2014 On Monday, September 22nd, at approximately 1600 hours, Long Beach Fire Department Engine 4 was returning from a call for service traveling down the 3700 Block of E. 5th Street. The crew witnessed an elderly woman, defenseless and lying on her back, being brutally attacked by a large dog.
Injury Traffic Accident- SB 405 - South of Lakewood Blvd - 3 Patients 8/18/2014 Long Beach Fire Department units, in addition to several CHP resources, were dispatched shortly after 11pm last night to an injury traffic accident involving a motorcyclist down and an unknown number of vehicles.
Vehicle strikes 6 at Long Beach intersection. 8/14/2014 On August 14th, 2014 at 7:06 PM, Long Beach Fire units responded to reports of a vehicle that had struck 6 people as they crossed the street. The accident occurred at the intersection of East Anaheim Street and Gundry Avenue in Long Beach.
SoCal PaddleDown for Cancer 8/9/2014 Over the last few days, lifeguards from throughout Southern California, including Long Beach, gathered together for a good cause. In an event known as the “SoCal PaddleDown for Cancer”, lifeguards from throughout the area set out to raise money for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation
All City Beach Day 8/9/2014 On August 8th, 2014 local Long Beach youth enjoyed a fun-filled day at the beach courtesy of the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine. The event, “All-City Beach Day” was a tremendous success with over 2,200 kids and 300 chaperones attending
Early Morning Garage Fire in Long Beach 8/5/2014 This morning at 4:35 AM, Long Beach Fire Department resources responded to Roycroft Avenue and Ocean Boulevard to reports of a structure fire.
Fires in Northern California 8/4/2014 As of today, multiple wildfires continue to burn throughout Northern California. On August 2nd, 2014, Governor Brown declared a State of Emergency based on the number and severity of these fires.
Industrial Fire: 3200 Block of Cherry Avenue 7/22/2014 Long Beach Fire Department Units responded to an industrial fire early this morning (0402 hours) on the 3200 block of Cherry Ave.
Injury Traffic Accident with Overturned Vehicle & Extrication 6/20/2014 Long Beach Fire Department crews responded to an injury traffic accident involving two vehicles near the intersection of Willow & Webster Ave. this morning at approximately 9:45AM. One vehicle was overturned which was occupied by a male and female adult patients. Both patients had to be extricated with the "jaws of life."
LBFD Junior Lifeguard Program to be held this summer 4/2/2014 The Long Beach Fire Department’s Marine Safety Division will once again sponsor the Junior Lifeguard Program this summer. The program will be held from June 23 to August 1, 2014.
ARGONNE HOUSE FIRE 1/31/2014 Long Beach Fire Department resources responded to a structure fire on the 2200 block of Argonne Ave at 2am this morning. First arriving units reported fire showing from the rear of a residential duplex.
SUNRISE BOULEVARD APARTMENT FIRE 1/31/2014 The Long Beach Fire Department received calls for a structure fire on the 800 block of Sunrise Boulevard at 10:39am today. First arriving units reported heavy smoke issuing from a fully involved second floor unit of a two story apartment building
COACHELLA AVENUE HOUSE FIRE 1/31/2014 Long Beach Fire Department units responded to reports of a residential structure fire on the 6800 block of Coachella Ave at 12:52pm today.