CAL FIRE/Riverside County fire resources continue to aid in San Diego fire fight

RIVERSIDE - About 300 Riverside County fire personnel, joined by two dozen others from other local fire agencies, are helping to battle raging wildfires in San Diego County. As that fight continues, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors’ chairman pledged today that Riverside County will continue to help as crews fight to control nine fires reported to be burning in San Diego County.

“I am so proud of our firefighters, and constantly amazed by their dedication and tireless effort,” Supervisor Jeff Stone said. “We will do everything we can to help San Diego County and its residents as teams fight these horrific fires.”

The devastating wildland blazes in San Diego County have challenged fire resources throughout Southern California. Following mutual aid protocols, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department has provided air and ground firefighting resources to help control the blazes.

During a fire fight on the Poinsettia wildland fire in Carlsbad, Riverside County Engines 96, 73 and 5 were deployed as part of a strike team that included five engines and a battalion chief. With quick, decisive action the firefighters succeeded in saving a three-story condominium in the city of Carlsbad.

As of this morning, those engines and firefighters remained in San Diego County, along with five strike teams of engines deployed by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, and personnel from other local fire agencies within the county. Ten inmate fire crews, and fixed-wing and water-dropping aircraft, have been committed to suppressing the fires.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their homes and with our first responders as they work to contain and control these fires,” Stone said. “Come home safe.”