FIREFIGHTERS PREPARE FOR EL NINO EMERGENCIES

The call came in for a man, clad in a red shirt, who fell from the 57 into the Santa Ana River, not far from Angel Stadium. The swift-water rescue training exercise spurred 25 firefighters from Anaheim, Orange and Garden Grove into action, leading to partial closures of nearby bridges spanning Orangewood and Chapman avenues. Several firefighters quickly removed the heavy coats, boots and other protective gear typically worn to battle blazes. For this type of rescue, they slipped on lightweight sneakers, yellow bicycle helmets and life vests that would help them to move freely and safely in any fast-moving water: On the bridges, about 25 feet above the riverbed, other firefighters rolled out inflated fire hoses that would serve as a lifeline for potential victims who may be swept down the river.