On August 6, Humboldt county Strike Team XHU 2075C was mobilized to assist Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service at the Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo County. The strike team is made up of Engines from Briceland Fire, Shelter Cove Fire Department, Salmon Creek Volunteer Fire, Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department and South Lake County Fire District. Chief Studebaker with Briceland Fire is serving as Strike Team Leader with Chief Pape from Shelter Cove Fire serving as Strike Team Leader Trainee.
The Gifford Fire has grown to over 117,000 acres, burning through steep, rugged terrain in the mountains east of San Luis Obispo. Extreme heat across the West Coast is making fire conditions especially challenging, but coordinated firefighting efforts are starting to gain ground on this massive blaze.
Along with our neighboring departments, Briceland Fire remains ready to respond to local emergencies. With fire danger at peak levels, please do your part to prevent any new wildfires.