In Pasadena, California (Reuters) – Firefighters from the St. Helena Fire Department have been actively engaged in battling destructive fires in Northern California. They arrived in Los Angeles early last Thursday at 2 a.m. to offer assistance in the southern region of the state. Among the multitude of red fire trucks parked near the famed Rose Bowl football stadium, one white fire truck belonging to the St. Helena team stood out.
The Rose Bowl has transformed into a base camp that provides essential support and camaraderie for hundreds of firefighters and emergency responders aiding in the fight against the Palisades and Eaton fires. St. Helena fire engineer Martin Macias expressed gratitude, acknowledging the reciprocal assistance they receive from various fire departments. Macias and his colleague Joshua Wilmoth have battled significant wildfires in the past, including the Glass Fire in Napa Valley in 2020 and the Tubbs Fire in 2017.
During their time in Los Angeles, the St. Helena team assisted homeowners near the Eaton Fire by helping them remove furniture and combustible items from their porches and yards to prevent the flames from spreading. They remained prepared to act swiftly if strong winds reignited the fires.
When asked how they handle such challenging situations, Wilmoth and Macias highlighted the support they receive from their team and the shared sense of purpose. Wilmoth emphasized the camaraderie, stating, “We all got into this as a service, to make somebody’s day better at the worst time.” The firefighters at the Rose Bowl shared meals, rested in tents or mobile trailers, and worked in shifts of 24 hours on-duty followed by 24 hours off to recuperate.
Firefighters from the Lathrop Manteca Fire District, also from Northern California, were assigned to search for hot spots in Altadena following the devastating impact of the Eaton Fire. Despite personal losses experienced by some team members, their commitment to salvaging any valuable possessions from the rubble was unwavering.
The firefighters found comfort in the outpouring of support from the public, including donations of food, clothing, toiletries, and heartfelt gestures of gratitude. Community members expressed their appreciation, despite their own losses, which deeply touched the firefighters.
Ben Orrock, along with members of the California Conservation Corps, journeyed from Lake Tahoe to Los Angeles to offer assistance. Corps members displayed exceptional determination in tackling fires, even amidst challenging conditions, showcasing their resilience and dedication.
Orrock expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming generosity displayed by the community, with homemade meals and donations pouring in to support the firefighters’ efforts. The unwavering support and encouragement from the public have served as a source of motivation for the firefighters as they continue to work tirelessly to combat the wildfires.
“Mom-and-pop restaurants are offering burritos, tamales, and banh mis,” he exclaimed. “That truly amazes me,” he added. (Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Mary Milliken and Sandra Maler)
