Fire crews from San Mateo County join statewide effort against raging wildfires in Los Angeles County
San Mateo County, California – San Mateo County has mobilized a significant number of firefighters and equipment to help combat the devastating wildfires raging over Los Angeles County. Along with 24 engines and technological equipment like drones to bolster the efforts in Southern California, around 150 people—including fire crews and commanders from several local departments—have been sent along.
“This is an unprecedented emergency and our neighbors in Southern California need all the help we can provide them as these wildfires rage out of control,” said David Canepa, president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, in a press release on Thursday. “I am so thankful to the firefighters who run to danger when called upon whether it’s in our own backyard or hundreds or even thousands of miles away.”
The firefighters were dispatched from Daly City, Woodside, Half Moon Bay, and East Palo Alto among several San Mateo County towns. They join an extensive task force including more than 7,500 already on-duty emergency responders from Southern California. Spokesperson for Cal Fire San Mateo/Santa Cruz Unit (CZU), Cecile Juliette claims that their circumstances are quite difficult.
“The wind is very severe, but we are glad to be able to help these communities and support the state’s mission. We are assisting these communities that have supported us in the past,” Juliette stated.
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The teams deployed consist hand crews and strike teams of wildland engines. From the CZU alone, 88 staff members have been dispatched to help. Furthermore, mobilized are over 80 firefighters from different strike teams or task forces, 18 engines, and eight chief officers from 10 local departments. Included in the deployment are also specialist tools like drones, which are essential for strategic planning and air operations.
“We sent one engine on the first strike team. The order came in at 8 p.m. on the 7th and they left at 10 p.m. on the 7th. They made it to Los Angeles in time for the morning briefing” then worked a 24-hour shift at the Palisades blaze, said Pat Murphy, a battalion chief with the Central County Fire Authority, which serves Burlingame, Hillsborough and Millbrae.
Among the fire departments involved in the response activities are Redwood City, Coastside, North County, Central County, San Mateo Consolidated, Woodside, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, South San Francisco, San Bruno. Every department contributed staff members and tools to the group project.
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Social media updates from the responding departments have highlighted the solidarity and commitment of the firefighters. San Bruno Fire’s post read, “We are honored to serve alongside these brave firefighters as we stand together for our neighbors to the south during this challenging time,” San Bruno Fire said in a Facebook post. “Our hearts and thoughts go out to the communities impacted by these devastating fires.”
In a same vein, San Mateo Consolidated Fire posted a video depicting their crew leaving for Southern California, thereby reassuring the community that local fire stations are fully staffed and ready to protect their citizens despite their participation in the emergency response.
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San Mateo County firemen show a strong example of mutual help and inter-county collaboration in times of crisis, therefore highlighting the vital part first responders play in controlling and reducing emergency conditions. The dedication and bravery of these people provide the impacted people hope and support as the fight against the wildfires continue.
