LAGO VISTA, Texas – More than 100 firefighters and emergency management personnel from Texas are gearing up to assist with California’s wildfire crisis.
On Sunday, July 28, six crew members from Travis County ESD 1 were informed of their inclusion in Governor Greg Abbott’s deployment order. Chief Donnie Norman, one of the Strike Team leaders, expressed pride in their preparedness.
“We’re glad we have the ability to help. We’re glad that we’re trained, and we have the capabilities to be able to answer the call, whether it’s in state or out-of-state,” said Chief Norman.
This deployment sees the firefighters from Lago Vista joining forces with teams from Oak Hill, Round Rock, Canyon Lake, and Bexar County.
The Central Texas Strike Team will consist of 21 members, along with three additional firefighters from the San Angelo and Odessa fire departments. Their mission is critical.
The Park Fire in northern California has already consumed nearly 400,000 acres, ranking as the sixth-largest wildfire in the state’s history.
The devastation is immense, with numerous homes lost and local resources stretched thin. “Utter chaos.
I mean, a lot of homes have burned. The local resources are taxed just like they would be here in Texas. You got 360,000 acres burning.
No one can handle that on their own. So, I think it’ll be welcoming to see us ride in. Other states and the federal government are already there,” Chief Norman noted.
Cleanup & Recovery Efforts After Beryl
President Biden has approved a federal emergency disaster declaration for Hurricane Beryl, which will aid in debris removal and installing protective measures in the hardest-hit areas.
Among those responding to the call is Lt. Andrew Rodriguez, who is making his first deployment to a California wildfire.
“It’ll be a little bit of new territory for me, but I’ve been all over the state of Texas on multiple deployments,” said Lt. Rodriguez.
Rodriguez previously battled the Davis Mountain wildfire in West Texas, which involved challenging terrain and steep climbs.
According to the source, this experience has somewhat prepared him for the fast-moving Park Fire.
“Probably that’s how fast it’s moving. You know, 5,000 acres an hour is pretty fast on how fast the fire’s growing,” Lt. Rodriguez remarked.
The Travis Co ESD 1 team is moving quickly for this deployment. Just 10 days ago, on July 18, twelve members returned from assisting in Houston after Hurricane Beryl.
Battalion Chief Ben Walker described the various assignments, including supplementing Houston’s 911 system, conducting damage assessments, and delivering oxygen tanks.
Walker, though not part of this new deployment, is ready to assist if needed. “If they do a crew swap, then I’ll try to head out there and help out,” he said.
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California, with federal funding, will cover the deployment costs and ensure additional personnel to fill any gaps. “The resources are here.
The state not only does pay our department when we leave, but they also backfill our positions when we leave here,” Chief Norman explained.
The Texas Strike Team members are preparing for a deployment duration of two weeks to 21 days.