Thanks to California’s mutual aid system, fire crews from all over the state are lending their support at the Lake Fire.
According to CAL FIRE Captain Jimmy Harris, who is stationed at the Paso Robles Air Attack Base, there are currently several resources deployed for the ongoing operations. As Harris stated, “We have about 28 people in overhead positions, including logistics, mechanics, and operations staff.” Additionally, there is a dozer strike team consisting of two bulldozers and a total of 12 crew strike teams. Each strike team is composed of two crew buggies. The resources are currently being utilized to their fullest potential to combat the ongoing situation.
During my visit to the CAL FIRE command center in San Luis Obispo, Captain Danny Ciecek gave me a tour and explained how resource distribution is a dynamic process that is constantly changing.
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Each resource under CAL FIRE’s command center is assigned a dedicated team member, ranging from dozer teams and fire engines to base camp amenities like toilets and showers.
Harris clarified that neighboring units will provide resources in case of a shortage. He emphasized the importance of leaving behind sufficient resources to combat potential wildfires in their area. “We cannot afford to deplete all resources from a single location,” he stated.
According to Captain Ciecek, they evaluate ongoing incidents twice a day and prioritize them based on their urgency. They also reallocate resources as necessary.
Firefighters battling the wildfires have the option to ask for extra resources if needed.
According to Harris, the adequacy of resources required during a wildfire depends entirely on the behavior of the fire. If the wildfire is spreading rapidly and poses a significant threat to our firefighters, additional resources will be requested to contain the situation.
Long shifts are the norm for firefighters who have been deployed to the Lake Fire.
According to Harris, when responding to an incident, crews including engine and hand crews are deployed to work on the line for 24 hours. However, they are given a break where replacements come in to work on that part of the line, allowing the crew to rest for 24 hours.
The firefighters from other regions offering assistance to the Lake Fire community have been greatly appreciated.
