Local Firefighters Return After Battling California Wildfire
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Firefighters here at home are working to combat blazes across the country. A group just returned from fighting a wildfire burning in northern California.
Tracey Leong caught up with them as they returned.
While Maryland's terrain is vastly different from California's, these firefighters learned invaluable skills that can be applied right here at home. They spent a grueling two weeks in the front lines battling the Fork Complex fire in northern California.
"It's an honor to be able to go help," said crew boss Shannon Wolfe.
With this wildfire spreading more than 32,000 acres at a rapid speed, resources from all over the country are being flown in to assist---including 20 men and women who are with Maryland's Department of Natural Resources.
Many are not used to California's rugged and steep terrain.
Dennis Yoder says it's both mentally and physically exhausting.
"Fuels we are not used to. Topography is different. We are in areas we have never seen before so there's a lot of challenges," Yoder said.
California is also dealing with severe temperatures and a relentless drought---giving this brave crew invaluable on-the-job training.
"Bring that terrific experience back to Maryland so we can benefit from it here when we have emergencies to deal with in our own backyard," said DNR Secretary Mark Belton.
So far this year, wildfires have burned more than 7 million acres, with little relief in sight.
"California is not the only state in a drought. In fact, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington are all having problems," Wolfe said.
Even though these firefighters just returned home, they won't be able to rest for too long. They could be called out in the next two weeks to any fire anywhere in the country.
This fire crew is one of five dispatched from the mid-Atlantic region.