Strike teams from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Douglas Forest
Protective Association (DFPA) were released today by Cal Fire from their
assignment on the Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif. Heavy rains forecasted for
much of the area are expected to improve conditions and provide a much-needed
reprieve for wildfire suppression throughout the region.
Reported as the deadliest wildfire in a century, the Camp Fire is estimated
at 151,373 acres and 70 percent contained, with at least 79 civilian fatalities
reported and over 13,000 structures destroyed. Tasks completed by ODF and DFPA
resources included fire line construction and improvements,
 |
| Dozer corralling a spot fire across the fire line. |
burning operations
to assisting in recovery efforts in the City of Paradise and surrounding
communities. The teams worked alongside Cal Fire and California Office of
Emergency Management as well as numerous fellow firefighting agencies.
The 28 agency and association personnel head home to their families today
just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Our crews came down readily willing to serve Cal Fire and the citizens of
Butte County,” said ODF Agency Representative Matt Howard. “While the work they
completed was within their scope, training and experience, the difference with
the Camp Fire was the sheer magnitude of the incident. The severe loss of human
life, infrastructure, and natural resources are unlike anything our folks have
experienced.
“As the agency representative, I am extremely humbled to have shared this
assignment with the two experienced Engine Strike Teams from the Oregon
Department of Forestry and Douglas Forest Protective Association. Our
homecoming is bittersweet as we head home to our loved ones,” Howard added.
“Our heartfelt wishes are with our fellow firefighters, Paradise and
surrounding communities, and all those impacted by this tragic fire.”
 |
| Brief break for a quick photo of the EOA strike team. |