Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro, has revealed that a team of 40 firefighters from Pennsylvania will be deployed to California to provide assistance in battling the destructive wildfires.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is dispatching two crews of highly skilled wildland firefighters in response to California’s request for assistance.
“Forty of Pennsylvania’s skilled wildland firefighters are heading to California to assist in the battle against these devastating fires,” said Shapiro. “Pennsylvania stands ready to help our fellow Americans – and these brave, highly trained firefighters are answering the call and heading to California to join the ongoing work to help protect lives and entire communities.”
The crews set off on Friday and are anticipated to reach California on Monday, January 27th.
The team has been carefully organized to ensure optimal performance even in the most challenging situations. It consists of 20 members, led by a crew boss and three squad bosses. Throughout their 14-day deployment, they will collaborate closely and reside together. Their responsibilities encompass a range of tasks, such as:
-
- Installing water lines and sprinkler systems to protect fire lines and buildings
- Improving defensible space around homes in the path of wildfires
- Reinforcing critical fire containment strategies to prevent further spread
Pennsylvania has already stationed a trained liaison in Los Angeles to facilitate coordination between the U.S. Forest Service and fire crews from the East Coast.
Under the Stafford Act, Pennsylvania has the capacity to provide assistance to other states in responding to wildfires.
