Our type 3 Wildland Engine 5436 returned July 15th from a four-day mutual aid assignment on the Loomis Fire, one of several lightning sparked fires burning in the high country between the Mt. Shasta and Lassen Volcanoes in Lassen County. Our engine and six of our crew members formed part of Strike Team XHU2075C, with Shelter Cove Fire Chief Nick Pape serving as Strike Team Leader, Engine 5539 from Telegraph Ridge VFD, Engine 6137 from Salmon Creek VFD, Engine 5116 from Shelter Cove Fire and Engine 5836 on it’s first out of county deployment with the Redway Fire Protection District. Redway also provided command vehicle C5800 for this assignment.
The strike team was staffed entirely by local Southern Humboldt fire departments, demonstrating the strength, professionalism, and growing regional cooperation among our volunteer agencies. Working in rugged terrain at approximately 4,800 feet elevation, crews operated in juniper and pine forest, improving containment lines under demanding conditions. During the assignment, the strike team successfully extinguished approximately 1 mile of active fire line, contributing to the continued containment of the Loomis Fire.
We are proud of our firefighters and the outstanding teamwork demonstrated by all of the Southern Humboldt agencies represented on this assignment. Their professionalism, dedication, and ability to work together as a cohesive strike team reflect the high level of training and commitment that exists throughout our local fire service.
