Petaluma Fire Dept. Deploys Personnel To Incidents Across The West

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Fire Department announced the deployment Monday of eight members to assist in ongoing wildfire- and storm-related incidents in California, as well as recovery efforts n Lahaina, Maui.

"These brave individuals have been called upon to provide their expertise and support to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities," said Petaluma fire Chief Jeff Schach.

Assistant Chief Chad Costa has been deployed with the Cal Fire Incident Management Team 1, assigned to the Health and Human Services Branch. Costa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and his presence will greatly contribute to organization and recovery in the Lahaina, Maui disaster, Schach said.

Some 850 people were still unaccounted for Monday after wildfires destroyed Lahaina and other parts of Maui earlier this month. Initally, the missing person list contained more than 2,000 names.

Engine 9357, which includes Capt. Jim Gloeckner, Engineer Kurt Jones and Firefighter/Paramedic Brett Irons, has been deployed to the Deep Incident in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The team is currently assigned to Division Zulu and is working to contain the fire and protect surrounding areas north of the community of Weaverville.

The Deep Fire was 3,662 acres and 0 percent contained Monday morning.

"Protection of the private property and infrastructure, including the Van Matre inholding, the Trinity Alps Resort, Bridge Camp Campground, private timberlands and the trail bridges remains the highest priority for firefighters," according to the U.S. Forest Service- Shasta-Trinity National Forest Facebook page.

Firefighter/Paramedic Jared Kirby was deployed to Kern County for pre-positioning with OES Swiftwater Team 11. The team stood available to respond to any potential water-related incidents resulting from Tropical Storm Hilary affecting Southern California. On Sunday, the storm flooded several local roadways, with mud in some areas.

Capt. Greg Taylor, Engineer/Paramedic Shay Burke and Firefighter/Paramedics Logan Davenport and Coey McCormack were deployed to the Smith River Complex on OES Engine 400 for structure defense in the city of Gasquet in the Six Rivers National Forest. The fire was 30,392 acres Monday with 0 percent containment. A red flag warning was issued Sunday for strong, dry, northeasterly winds which also prompted a new evacuation of the Gasquet community.

"Petaluma Fire is proud of these individuals and the entire team for their readiness and determination to serve the communities in need," Schach said. "The department stands united in supporting them and expresses gratitude to their families for their sacrifices to keep our communities safe."

The Petaluma Fire Department remains fully staffed and ready to respond to any emergency, the chief said. He also noted that all deployments are reimbursable by the state of California and the Office of Emergency Services (OES).