Rocky Fire Base Camp Gives Firefighters A Home Away From Home
LAKEPORT (CBS13) – Fire trucks as far as the eye can see – this is base camp for the Rocky Fire at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
"This is sort of the brains of the operation, if you will," said Jason Shanley, the Rocky Fire public information officer.
Shanley gave us a tour of base camp, which is often described as a "little city."
"You're pulling resources from all over the state that are gonna have to have a place locally to corral all the units just to maintain control," Shanely said.
The place is packed with all sorts of trailers aimed at making the operation more efficient and comfortable.
Tired crews coming off the fire lines can jump right in the shower trailer.
"This is their best time of the day. They thank me, thank me that they can take a hot shower every day," said Najja Jackson from Abel Fire Equipment.
Next stop is the laundry truck, loaded with 11 washers and dryers. Firefighters drop off clothes and they're clean within 24 hours.
"The 'nomex' is what they wear for their fire protection and that's always a priority," said Mona Hernandez from Able Fire Equipment.
Firefighters bring their own pillows and blankets and crash in one of these trailers. They sleep 42 people each.
When firefighters need anything from a hose, ax or jacket, they get it here at the supply depot.
Low-risk inmates man the mobile kitchen unit, serving two hot meals a day.
"They really enjoy this. And we've had a lot of compliments from people, saying the food has been outstanding," said Sgt. Anthony Brown from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. "I want to thank these people."
The California Conservation Corps plays a huge role in maintaining base camp – distributing supplies, cleaning and handing out food.
"So I always tell them, it's not necessarily about the work they're doing; supply or emptying trash cans. It's the connections they can make with the people here," said Kathy Barr with the California Conservation Corps.
CCC member Isaac Sayles-Simmons is asked to simply count firefighters going in to eat.
Everyone knows he does much more.
"I just try to smile and give my best regards to them and let them know that someone cares about them, you know?" Sayles said.