The Region - News from Jan. 12, 1986

Acting on experience gained from the Mexico City earthquake, the Los Angeles Fire Commission authorized purchase of seven high-pressure lifting bags for raising heavy objects that have trapped people or for moving away debris or objects that are hampering rescues. The bags will be tested for a year before the Fire Department makes any wider purchases. “They had to be brought in at Mexico City,” Battalion Chief Bob DeFeo said, “but once they were, they proved to be worth their weight in gold for lifting concrete slabs, beams and building materials until jacks could be put in and rescue operations started. They would also be used here in vehicle accidents for lifting heavy trucks and vehicles off of victims or at industrial accident sites,” DeFeo said. The $20,083 cost will be transferred from unused department funds or savings.