Cal Fire Mechanic Killed In Crash On Way To Battle Carr Fire
TEHAMA COUNTY (CBS13) - A Cal Fire heavy equipment mechanic who was helping fight the Carr Fire was killed in a car accident, authorities say.
The crash happened early Thursday morning on Highway 99 in Tehama County.
Cal Fire says the firefighter was assigned to the Butte Unit that is assigned to the Carr Fire burning near Redding. The firefighter has been identified as 40-year-old Chico native Andrew Brake.
It's with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Heavy Equipment Mechanic Andrew Jason Brake. HEM Brake died this morning due to a single vehicle accident while assigned to the Carr Fire. Please keep Andrew's loved ones & everyone in @CALFIRE_ButteCo in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/kA2shWKVCc
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) August 9, 2018
Brake was on his way to work to help fight the Carr Fire in Shasta County when he crashed.
He was a six-year veteran of Cal Fire.
Gov. Jerry Brown released a statement Thursday afternoon, offering his condolences to Brake's family and loved ones.
"On behalf of all Californians, we honor Andrew and the many other brave firefighters and emergency responders who have risked their lives to protect others," Gov. Brown said.
The Carr Fire has burned 177,450 acres as of Thursday morning. It has destroyed more than a thousand homes and damaged nearly 200 others. Containment of the fire stands at 48 percent, but Cal Fire says they don't know when the flames will be fully contained.
Brake is the third firefighter killed in the battle against the Carr Fire. Five civilians, including a PG&E worker, have also died in the fire.