The Park Fire in California has now become the fifth-largest wildfire in the state’s history, according to CBS. Within a span of less than a week, the fire has already covered over 383,000 acres, which is almost half the size of Rhode Island.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Cal Fire reports that there are a minimum of 15 fires currently burning. Due to the stretched-thin crews, firefighters from other states, including the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, are stepping in to provide assistance.
According to Chief Bill Donnelly of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the plan is to continue rotating firefighters until either all available personnel have been utilized or the number of fires decreases.
This season, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has already received a response from over 40 of its members, with many others stepping up in previous years as well.
Will Jubert, the Section Forest Firewarden, along with David Achey, the assistant state firewarden, and Larry Birch, the forest fire observer, are seasoned veterans in the fight against wildfires. Recently returning from their assignments in California, they are well-versed in the challenges and dangers that come with battling these natural disasters.
According to Jubert, he has completed 25 assignments so far. Achey, on the other hand, mentioned that he has worked on 41 assignments, while Birch stated that he has completed between 40 to 45 assignments.
Achey expressed that they have visited Northern California repeatedly and have been to many of the same places. However, they recently revisited the El Dorado National Forest, which they had previously visited in 2003, and it had been 21 years since their last visit.
Last month, the state agency sent out its initial crew and engine. Shortly thereafter, additional crews and two more engines were dispatched to the location.
According to the NJFFS, the members they have dispatched to California have not yet been involved in tackling the park fire. However, the teams, which rotate every 14 days, have been instrumental in containing the Apache Fire, Hill Fire, Flash Fire, and several other smaller wildfires.
Jubert expressed that the residents don’t place much emphasis on one’s origin. They are simply grateful for any assistance provided and are content with having a helping hand.
At times, individuals are provided with only 24 hours’ notice before they have to pack up and travel across the country.
According to Achey, even though their families have become accustomed to the frequent calls and unique lifestyle, they still believe in the saying “no news is good news.”
Achey explained that there are instances when we find ourselves in places without any cellphone signal.
These three individuals are deeply passionate about their job, which requires both physical and mental strength. Their love for what they do is unwavering and they have no intention of stopping anytime soon.
Birch expressed his strong desire to assist people in need, stating, “I truly enjoy providing aid to those who require it.”
According to Donnelly, the wildfire season has only just begun in the Western region. He emphasized that the NJFFS will persist in deploying their crews and equipment for as long as it takes to combat these fires.
Currently, NJFFS members are lending a helping hand in Montana.
