On August 14th, Briceland Engine 5446 with a three person crew joined our first “Foxtrot” Strike Team; 2075F – bound for the MP18 Fire in Hoopa Valley. Type 6 engines are smaller, highly maneuverable fire engines designed for quick response and operations in areas where larger apparatus may have difficulty accessing. Their agility makes them particularly valuable for wildland fire operations and remote terrain. The team was composed of engines from Briceland, Whitethorn, Telegraph Ridge, Palo Verde, and Mendocino, led by Chief Chris Emmons from Arcata Fire. This was the first major out-of-district assignments for both Whitethorn and Palo Verde Volunteer Fire Departments, a major milestone in the development of Southern Humboldt Fire and Rescue.
Our team would end up working alongside Task Force “2075 Charlie” with Type 3 engines from Shelter Cove, Salmon Creek, Anderson Valley and a Water Tender from Redway Fire Protection District. With so many local volunteer firefighters and resources assigned outside the area, maintaining emergency coverage at home became an important priority. To ensure our communities continued to have a local response capability, an additional “Westside” coverage was established and staffed in 12-hour shifts by firefighters from Briceland, Whitethorn, and Telegraph Ridge Volunteer Fire Departments.
This summer has been a good example of how mutual aid works at the local level. Our volunteer departments are willing to send firefighters and equipment wherever they are needed, but just as importantly, neighboring departments work together to make sure that when our people are away helping others, our own communities remain protected.
Thanks go out to all local supporters of our Southern Humboldt departments. Special Thank You to District 1 Senator Mike McGuire for his efforts to bring the California State funding allocated to purchase 10 new Type 6 engines for volunteer fire departments including Briceland, Garberville, Palo Verde, Telegraph Ridge, and Whitethorn in southern Humboldt as well as Covelo, Laytonville, Leggett, Piercy and Westport in northern Mendocino county.
