The Houston Fire Department is dispatching seven wildland firefighters to aid in controlling the Smokehouse Creek Fire, which has grown to nearly become the largest in state history as of Wednesday evening, consuming over 850,000 acres of land.
According to HFD Assistant Chief of Emergency Operations Michael Mire, these firefighters possess specialized training tailored to assist in containment efforts for wildfires.
“We aim to uphold our response capabilities within the city, but we’re also committed to providing additional resources wherever possible,” Mire stated.
The Houston Fire Department boasts nearly four dozen firefighters equipped with specific training in wildland firefighting techniques.
Describing the nature of the task, Mire emphasized, “It’s a genuine blue-collar job in every aspect.”
Meanwhile, Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management Director Jason Millsaps revealed that nearly two dozen firefighters from various departments within the county have also been deployed.
Millsaps shared insights into the severity of the situation, stating, “Reports from the teams and our section chief up there indicate the situation is quite dire.”
He attributed the fire’s rapid spread to the dry conditions and flat terrain of the area.
“The consequences of these massive fires are expected to impact agriculture, farming, livestock, and cattle due to the extensive damage,” Millsaps added.
