Shortly after lightning began setting fires all around Northern California, Chief Joe Vasquez of the Happy Valley Fire Protection District began getting calls for assistance. The day of the storm, two wildland engines and one water tender were dispatched.
Engine #644, with Captain Alex Bostick and firefighters, Ronnie Simmons and Troy Burns on board, were sent to Trinity Lake. Engine #744, manned by firefighters Ken Carter, Greg Watts, Brice Roberts and Kory Keffer headed for Zog Mine Road in Igo. At one point, this engine came upon a five-acre fire, and extinguished it before continuing on its mission.
After a 24-hour shift and a brief rest, they were then diverted to Shingletown. For 24 hours on, and 24 hours off, they continually battled fire for days.
The water-tender was alternately manned by Battalion Chief Chris Busher and Firefighter Jack Lane, working around the clock to supply water to the engines working the fire in Whitmore.
Currently, the two engines are back out on the fire line, with Captain Tyler Bassham replacing Keffer. The water tender is awaiting orders at the fairgrounds in Anderson. It is being held in case of another fire breaking out so it will be available for an initial attack.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 0
Be the first to post a comment!
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.