The Yurok Fire Department and Six Rivers National Forest deployed personnel to combat wildfires in Southern California last week.
In a statement issued via Facebook, the Yurok Tribe announced that its fire department had responded to a forest service call for assistance. Engine 9434 and a crew consisting of Capt. Fermin Sanchez, engineer Faith Tracy, and firefighters Naschewen Hunsucker, Jasper Hostler and Pergish Montgomery were dispatched.
“En route, the engine was directed to report to Corona, California, and assist with coverage on the El Cariso District on the Cleveland National Forest working 24-hour shifts,” said Yurok Fire Chief Rod Mendes in the statement. “While at El Cariso, the engine is providing coverage and response to new fires in Southern California due to short staffing and will potentially relieve other resources on fires in the area.”
Engine 9434’s crew is expected to be on assignment in the region for 14 to 21 days.
In a press release issued this Monday, the U.S. Forest Service noted that personnel from Six Rivers National Forest had also been sent to assist “with initial attack response during the Eaton Fire” last week. Six Rivers National Forest has since deployed multiple firefighting resources and personnel to assist with the fires in Southern California including two engine crews, one water tender, a 10-person firefighting module, one unmanned aircraft system support, and additional logistical personnel.
Fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires in Southern California have killed at least 24 people and displaced thousands more. The fires have consumed roughly 62 miles and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. According to Cal-Fire, both the Eaton and Palisades fires currently rank among the five most destructive wildfires in the state’s history.
As of noon, Jan. 14, Cal Fire has reported that 100% of the Kenneth fire and 97% of the Hurst Fire have been contained, but only 35% of the Eaton fire and 17% of the Palisades fire.
Robert Schaulis can be reached at 707-441-0506.
