California wildfires: Bay Area firefighters sent to help battle LA County blazes
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The multiple wildfires burning in Los Angeles County are too large for one fire department to battle alone. Fire agencies from around the state and Bay Area are sending help.
At San Jose Fire's training center on Wednesday, dozens of local firefighters prepared for deployment to the Southland to fight five fires.
"While there is a certain excitement and anticipation, every one of us is very aware that this is a dangerous occupation and that we will be in peril's way," said San Jose Fire Department Battalion Chief Javier Ascencio.
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He said strike team XSC 2302-A left Tuesday night, and around noon Wednesday, a second strike team, 2302-A, was headed for the front lines of the Eaton Fire.
"We are trying to help out with the California mutual aid system. Our neighbors down south need our assistance," said Ascencio, as firefighters rushed about, trying to finish last-minute details before departure.
"There are structures that have already burned and that is our primary focus — structure protection. Life safety and structure protection.," he said.
The second group comprised five fire engines: one each from Mountain View, San Jose, and Sunnyvale, and two from the county. The 22 firefighters dispatched have special wildland fire training and tools to assist for up to two weeks.
Alameda County fire officials said they're also adding a fire strike team to the effort. Engine companies from Oakland, Hayward, and Fremont, and two from the county, are now in Southern California.
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"They're preparing to get right into the heat of it, no pun intended," said Alameda County Fire Department Deputy Chief Ryan Nishimoto."There's a lot of fire activity going down. It's spreading fast it's moving fast and there's really no time to rest."
Santa Rosa sent a third strike team Wednesday, after sending two teams Tuesday night. Those firefighters will work on the Palisades Fire.
San Francisco sent five engines Wednesday morning as part of its contribution to mutual aid. San Mateo County has deployed its Task Force 2278 to the front lines.
For some of the firefighters from the South Bay, the race down Highway 101 to Pasadena to save lives and property is personal.
"A lot of our personnel have family down there in different areas. And since there are several active incidents, it's a good chance somebody's family, immediate family, has been evacuated," said Ascencio.
Santa Clara County fire officials said they have plenty of firefighters still on duty in the South Bay to handle any local emergencies.