This afternoon, 10 CAL FIRE engines from the Amador-El Dorado and Nevada-Yuba-Placer Units and extra company officers from the Shasta-Trinity Unit, along with 10 OES engines from Regions 2 and 4, departed California to assist the State of Washington with the unprecedented fire activity they are experiencing. Their initial assignment is to the Okanogan Complex near Omak, north of Wenatchee. This complex of fires is currently over 227,000 acres and experiencing long range spotting in timber.
I am very pleased to be able to share this much needed assistance during their critical time of need. The State of Washington, as well as many other fire departments throughout the Pacific Northwest, came to California’s aid during our fire siege in 2008 when we experienced over 2000 simultaneous lightning fires. The delivery of fire and emergency services, especially during times of disaster, is built upon providing mutual assistance and it is now our opportunity to pay them back.
As we all know, California continues to face critically dry fuel conditions and has been experiencing the same extreme fire behavior currently being witnessed throughout the Pacific Northwest. We will continue our aggressive initial attack on all fires while at the same time keeping safety in the forefront of our thoughts. We still have a long fire season to go.
I am extremely proud of all of you.
Chief Ken Pimlott
CAL FIRE Director