Relief Is in Sight As Firefighters Get Rest
Incident: Harris Wildland Fire
Released: 10/28/2007
Fire engines and firefighting handcrews have been mobilized to Southern California from across the country and are now assigned to the Harris Fire and the other wildfires. They are now engaged in fire suppression and mop up activities. Fire commanders are confident that containment of the Harris Fire is in reach and these additional resources will assist in mop-up operations and line construction. These out of State resources will also allow the firefighters from Southern California agencies who have worked tirelessly to contain and control these major fires to be relieved from the fire lines to return to their fire stations. Southern California firefighters will have the opportunity to re-equip their fire engines, get some much needed rest, and respond to initial attack fires and emergencies. CAL FIRE will continue managing the fire until 100% control has been achieved.
The Harris Fire has firefighters from California and the western United States working on the line securing the fire area of all hot spots to eliminate any chance of a rekindle in anticipation of a wind event predicted for next week. Yesterday, firefighters from Tijuana and Tecate Mexico were demobilized from the Harris fire after having engaged in firefighting for 4 days. Incident Commanders will continue using all resources that can be safely integrated into the firefighting operation.
CAL FIRE Deputy Incident Commander Robert Lewin stated, "Firefighters from all corners of the world share a common bond and during any emergency they want to stand shoulder to shoulder with their fellow firefighters to bring order to a disaster. This has been seen over and over again from 9/11, Katrina, and now the 2007 Southern California Fire Siege."
According to CAL FIRE Incident Commander Howard Windsor, "Those firefighters and emergency responders who will demobilize and return home deserve praise for a job well done. Many lives and homes were saved due to their brave and tireless efforts. The continued support of the community and fellow emergency responders has been overwhelming."
For additional information contact the Harris Fire Information Line at 619-449-1462.
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