Thousands of firefighters are facing a challenging day on Monday as they continue to battle the extensive wildfires ravaging Northern and Southern California.
The Park Fire, the largest blaze, is burning in the mountains north of Sacramento and has grown to the size of Los Angeles. However, some relief is coming in the form of North Texas firefighters who are heading to California to assist.
A team of specially trained firefighters from Fort Worth, McKinney, Greenville, Frisco, Allen, and Parker County are en route to help. They are bringing command vehicles, brush trucks, and other essential equipment to support the firefighting efforts.
Richard Morrison, an engineer with the Fort Worth Fire Department, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I feel privileged to come help and I’m thankful they called us. It provides us with valuable experience working alongside those who frequently handle such situations.”
This group is part of a larger contingent of 100 Texas firefighters sent by Governor Greg Abbott through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, which facilitates mutual aid agreements between Texas and several other states.
Craig Trojacek, Public Information Officer for the Fort Worth Fire Department, highlighted the unity of purpose among firefighters, saying, “Regardless of the state or country, our commitment and willingness to help are the same everywhere.”
The firefighters are leaving their families behind, including children who are starting school. “I spent extra time with my kids last night. They’re both proud and understanding, even if they don’t fully grasp the situation,” Morrison said.
California currently has at least 4,000 firefighters tackling the wildfires, which have destroyed numerous structures and prompted evacuations.
The Texas teams will be deployed for a minimum of 16 days, with the possibility of extension. They will work in shifts of 24 hours on and 24 hours off, depending on the needs and assignments from fire commanders in California. Some crews are headed to Northern California, a three-day drive away, while others are heading to Southern California, a two-day journey.
