Rio Hondo Roadrunners - Fire Crew 77

03/13/2026

New research shows firefighters may be exposed to toxic chemicals in their gear and even their food, increasing risks of cancer and other serious illnesses.

Some wildland firefighter uniforms, including Nomex gear, contain PFAS, chemicals linked to cancer and other diseases. These chemicals can enter the body through inhalation and skin contact during long shifts on the fireline.

🧪 Researchers have found that wildland firefighters often have higher levels of PFAS in their blood than the general public.

Plus, reports have raised concerns about contaminated or poor-quality food, “mystery meat” rations, moldy supplies, and possible heavy metals in meals. Combine this with PFAS, smoke, diesel exhaust, and extreme heat, and firefighters face a web of hidden health hazards. ❌

Firefighters shouldn’t have to sacrifice their long-term health to protect our communities.

At FUSEE, we’re expanding our work on firefighter health and safety by:
🤝 Partnering with allies who promote firefighter safety and are researching toxins in gear and food.
📢 Advocating for policymakers to make immediate change.

View our Health and Wellness Resources at 👉 https://fusee.org/mental-health-resources

📸: Lou Bean

02/21/2026

Mario Escobar is a graduate of the Rio Hondo College Wildland Fire Academy (Class 27) and is also an on-call firefighter with the United States Forest Service’s Rio Hondo Roadrunners Fire Crew on the Angeles National Forest.

I’m reaching out to ask for support for his GoFundMe. This cause is important and whether you can donate or simply share the fundraiser, every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated.

Mario was involved in a vehicle rollover last week (02/10/26) and was rescued and transported to the hospital by LASD Air 5.

Mario received major burn injuries to 25% of his body, fractured his back and neck, lacerated a main artery in his leg, along with fracturing his knee and shattering his ankle.

Follow on IG for information on fundraiser for Mario.

LINK IN BIO

On Tuesday, February 10th, Mario Escobar Jr. was involved in a car accident. Ma… Briana Escobar needs your support for Help Mario, Our Brave Firefighter, Heal

07/19/2025

2025 is continuing to be a great year! We are offering five EMR and three EMT classes during the Fall semester. If you speak two languages, you qualify We have a program that will provide approximately $1,000 of learning materials to anyone that speaks a second language and enrolls in our EMT Program. It can be any second language. Please scan QR code on the flyer to sign up. If you have questions, please call 562-222-1482 or email [email protected].

Follow Rio Hondo College EMT Program for more information.

2025 is continuing to be a great year! We are offering five EMR and three EMT classes during the Fall semester. If you speak two languages, you qualify We have a program that will provide approximately $1,000 of learning materials to anyone that speaks a second language and enrolls in our EMT Program. It can be any second language. Please scan QR code on the flyer to sign up. If you have questions, please call 562-222-1482 or email [email protected]. Rio Hondo Wildland Fire AcademyRio Hondo Roadrunners - Fire Crew 77California EMS Educators AssociationRio Hondo Fire AcademyRío Hondo College

01/16/2025

Captain Jerry Garcia from the Angeles National Forest’s Crew 41 is a graduate of Rio Hondo Wildland Fire Academy Class #4 and a 2004 Rio Hondo Roadrunners Fire Crew member.

Fire crews from U.S. Forest Service were clearing brush on Tuesday morning in anticipation of increased fire activity due to returning Santa Ana winds. KTLA ...

01/16/2025

Eddie Sell shares information about wildfire containment and the joint effort of fire departments across the country assisting in the fight against the flames

01/10/2025

On January 8th, the Baezas lost all they have built, including their family home, to a destructive wildland fire (Eaton Fire) in Los Angeles County (Altadena area). The Baezas are a first responder family, always willing to protect and serve for the last 28 years, and they now need our help to rebuild. They evacuated with little time to take anything with them but their young children and fur babies. It will be a long road of healing and rebuilding. Help us help them rebuild.

Isaac Baeza was on the Rio Hondo Roadrunners Fire Crew (C77) the year the crew was organized in 2001 and is also a graduate of the Rio Hondo Wildland Fire Academy Class #1.

Prior to joining C77, Baeza served as a Firefighter in the US Navy. Baeza served as a Fire Captain on engine crews, as well as the Dalton Interagency Hotshot Crew while on the Angeles National Forest, and now serves as a Fire Captain with CAL FIRE.

Please help him and his family recover from this tragic incident. Isaac Baeza is a good, humble man and would appreciate any and all donations, big or small. We know times are difficult for some folks, so if all you have is $1 or $5, every donation will add up.

Please help share this information.

Thank you and stay safe.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/aid-the-baezas-a-first-responder-family

11/16/2023

Interested in applying to join the next Rio Hondo College Wildland Fire Academy (Class #27) which begins in late January 2024?

Well, you’re in luck, application period open until December 19, 2023.

Email [email protected] for more information.

https://www.riohondo.edu/public-safety/firetech/wfa/newcadetinfo/

09/24/2023

“…Fulco was the 343rd retired and active FDNY member to die of a 9/11 illness, officials said. He joined the Fire Department in November 1977, and retired in August 2002. He spent much of his career assigned to Engine 250 in Brooklyn…”

On Saturday morning, retired Firefighter Robert Fulco died of pulmonary fibrosis that was linked to the toxic cloud swirling above Ground Zero in the days and weeks after the terror attacks.

09/17/2023

09/17/2023

Please take a few seconds to sign this petition and share with your contacts.

H.R. 5118 - The Wildfire Drought and Resiliency Act is currently on the House floor. We urge you to support and vote in favor of this legislation. Wildfires have become more frequent and intense. The first responders tasked with fighting these fires struggle to stay afloat financially and with the i

09/10/2023

https://youtu.be/HhXWg-tgVGg?si=6F1pc4nNfcmR65_0

Meet Steve, firefighter, national rep/organizer with the National Federation of Federal Employees. We talk shop on the issues his members face and what they ...