It has been difficult to miss the many reports lately on the wildfires that are devastating areas in California. Many residents close to the areas have been forced to evacuate their homes for their safety, and as of Tuesday afternoon it was reported that at least 1,000 structures had been destroyed due to the blazes.
Recently, five local professionals that have worked extensively in firefighting were recruited to assist in stopping the spread of the fires. Carbon County Emergency Operations Director Justin Needles, Price City Fire Chief Paul Bedont and County Fire Warden Jeramy Jorgensen are currently stationed in California. Also stationed from the Castle Dale Fire Department are Jason Kava and Richard Hayward.
An EMAC Request began on Dec. 7 requesting assistance. The California Governor placed a phone call, asking for the help. The men are expected to remain to assist the fight through Dec. 20. Needles stated that if everything is under control before then, it is possible that they could be sent home earlier, but for the time being they plan on staying for the duration.
Needles explained that the men spent the first number of days putting fires out and are getting re-assigned to another area. The men have been flexible with the assignments handed to them. Needles continued by stating that they are doing the best they can to represent the state of Utah and Carbon County.
“We’ve got a great bunch of guys,” Needles stated.