Jan. 15 – Nearly a dozen fire departments from Montana have traveled to the Golden State to help battle the Los Angeles wildfires that have killed at least 24 people and displaced thousands of others.
Two four-person crews from the Bigfork and Whitefish fire departments are part of a so-called Montana Strike Force stationed at Will Rogers State Beach, in the southeast corner of the Palisades fire.
According to Bigfork Fire officials, Flathead Valley firefighters will work with crews from the Butte-Silver Bow, Central Valley and Plains fire departments. They are instructed to help fight the fires for at least 18 days.
The Bigfork Fire was charged with protecting the structure, said firefighter and department information officer Al Benitez. Using Engine 332, a structural fire engine that the crew drove to Southern California, they will try to prevent the flames from spreading to intact buildings.
The four-man team consists of motorcycle boss Tom Pauley, Jesse Barreto, Shaney Fox and Paul Friend. Barreto is a part-time department employee, Fox a local firefighter and Friend a volunteer firefighter.
Benitez said sending resources to California will have no effect on the fire department’s ability to fight fires in Bigfork.
“Because it’s winter here, we actually have availability,” he said.
The Bigfork crew helping fight the fire will not come at the expense of Montana taxpayers, according to a Facebook post from the department. All costs are covered by California.
Benitez said to check the department’s Facebook page for regular updates.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Palisades Fire has burned more than 23,000 acres and is 17% contained.
According to Benitez, 5,2000 firefighters, 44 helicopters, 540 engines, 66 bulldozers and 60 water tenders are currently assigned to fight the Palisades Fire.
Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 or junderhill@dailyinterlake.com.
