Arizona Firefighters Help With Southern California Wildfires
Just as they did with the horrific North California wildfires several weeks ago, Arizona firefighters are now headed to Southern California to help with the out-of-control blazes there.
“Today we received orders to send 25 engines and overhead to help with California Wildfires,” the Arizona Department of Forestry announced this morning. “The firefighters will preposition once they arrive in California and then will be assigned to wherever they are most needed. All the Arizona crews will be used as strike teams. Strike teams are in high demand now, since most wildland firefighters are seasonal and likely have already been laid off for the winter.”
Strike teams can the front lines of the fire, relieving other firefighters.
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Daisy Mountain Fire Department announced yesterday it was sending a Branch Chief to assist. State and local agencies have agreements with other states to share crews. Arizona reimburses local departments, like DMFD, for the efforts.
Santa Ana winds and dry conditions conspired to fuel the rapid spread of multiple blazes that have destroyed at least 180 structures and forced thousands of evacuations.
“It’s hard to fathom the amount of devastation that California has seen over the last few months,”said Arizona State Forester Jeff Whitney. “We will always be ready to assist our neighbors when needed.”
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