Arcata Fire’s Board of Directors Commends Personnel, Families for ‘Outstanding Professional Responses and Support’ During ‘Regional Wildland Fire Disaster’

From Arcata Fire:

A RESOLUTION OF THE ARCATA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENDING ARCATA FIRE PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL RESPONSES AND SUPPORT DURING THE 2018 REGIONAL WILDLAND FIRE DISASTER

WHEREAS, between July 23rd and July 27th of 2018, wildland fires started in Shasta, Mendocino and Lake Counties, quickly became catastrophic fire storms of epic proportions. The Carr and Mendocino Complex Fires have and continue to burn a combined 580,000 acres; destroyed over 1,400 residences and 22 commercial structures; while threatening over 10,000 residential and commercial structures. Nine people, including four firefighters, died in the line of duty in incidents associated with these disastrous fires; and

WHEREAS, combined resources assigned to the Carr and Mendocino Complex Fires included over 700 fire engines, 218 water tenders, massive air support, with a total of over 8,500 personnel; and

WHEREAS, the Arcata Fire Protection District, in coordination with members of the Arcata Professional Firefighters Local 4981, and members of the Arcata Volunteer Fire Association, mobilized a rapid response to the regional disaster by combining resources with four other Humboldt County Fire departments; and

WHEREAS, the Arcata Fire Protection District deployed two full fire engine crews and a Battalion Chief to assist with fire station coverage and combating fires in Mendocino County. Staff worked long periods of overtime hours and cancelled days off to support the deployment of personnel and resources to the disaster area while maintaining sufficient staffing to cover our fire district; and

WHEREAS, families, friends, and significant others of Arcata Fire personnel were supremely supportive and patient with the long work hours and prolonged absences of their loved ones. Such support is a vital component for firefighter’s to remain focused on safety while working under hazardous conditions.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Directors of the Arcata Fire Protection District wishes to commend and express our profound pride and gratitude to ALL Arcata Fire members and their families, for their dedicated professionalism and incredible teamwork in support of our regional and neighboring communities during what has been called the largest wildfire in California history.