Kent-based Puget Sound Fire crews help battle Palisades fire in LA

It’s been a busy several days for the seven Kent-based Puget Sound Fire firefighters battling the Los Angeles wildfires.

The lengths of the shifts vary, according to a Tuesday, Jan. 14 email from Puget Sound Fire spokesperson Pat Pawlak.

“Their first shift was 36 hours long,” Pawlak said about the firefighters battling the Palisades fire. “Their last shift was 33 hours long and they had a 15-hour rest period.”

The firefighters, and two engines, left Thursday morning, Jan. 9 for Los Angeles along with an engine and crew each from Seattle Fire, South King Fire and Valley Regional Fire Authority, Pawlak said. Eastside Fire & Rescue provided one command vehicle. Puget Sound Fire sent a Type 1 engine, which is used in structural firefighting and a Type 3 fire engine, which is a 4-wheel drive, off-road engine.

“It is anticipated that they will be deployed for a minimum of 14 days,” Pawlak said.

After a request from California’s governor to Washington’s governor, the Washington State Emergency Management Division worked with fire departments across the state to coordinate nine task forces made up of 45 engines, 11 trucks and 146 personnel, according to the governor’s office. Additionally, the state’s Department of Natural Resources sent additional fire equipment and personnel.

Pawlak explained how Puget Sound Fire chose its group of seven firefighters.

“When we receive a request for a deployment, a message is sent out to staff looking for individuals that are able to deploy for the needed timeframe and those who are available and meet the certification requirements respond that they are available to deploy,” Pawlak said. “A list is then established and the firefighters selected to be deployed are contacted.”

Pawlak declined to release the names of the Puget Sound Fire crew in Los Angeles.

“Since the firefighters are away from their families and for their family’s safety, we are not releasing the names of the firefighters that are deployed to California,” he said.

Kent Mayor Dana Ralph appreciates the efforts of the fire crews to assist in Los Angeles.

“I want to give a shout-out to Puget Sound Fire for sending over two fire engines with seven firefighters as part of a strike team to assist with the ongoing wildfires in Southern California,” Ralph said in her Jan. 10 weekly update to residents. “Our hearts are with all those being affected by these devastating fires and we look forward to our firefighters returning home safely.”

According to Jan. 14 reports on CNN.com, firefighters are facing challenging conditions in their battle against the Los Angeles wildfires, with powerful winds forecast over the next 24 hours that could cause extreme fire behavior in the blazes or turn any new spark into a raging inferno.

The Eaton and Palisades fires are the second and fourth most destructive in California history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). The total area burned by the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires is about 60 square miles, an area larger than Paris, according to CNN.com. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fires.

As of Jan. 14, 24 people had died in the fires, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Gov. Inslee, whose term ends Jan. 15 as Bob Ferguson takes office, issued the following statement last week about Washington state helping out in California.

“As wildfires ravage parts of Southern California, our thoughts are with those affected by this devastating disaster,” Inslee said. “The destruction has been immense, and the brave men and women on the front lines are putting their lives at risk to protect communities and save lives.

“I have been in touch with Gov. (Gavin) Newsom and have assured him that Washington stands ready to do whatever we can to assist in this crisis. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated firefighters and first responders from Washington state who have volunteered to assist in the fight against these fires. Their selflessness and commitment to helping others, regardless of state lines, is a testament to the strength of our shared values and the spirit of service that defines us.”

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