CAl FIRE Responds to Calls for Assistance

The firefighters and camp crews of CAL FIRE are the State's emergency rapid response personnel. Yesterday, as the rain continued to pour down across California, CAL FIRE firefighters and crews responded to several requests for assistance throughout the San Bernardino Unit. The CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit extends from the San Bernardino/Riverside county line north along the eastern slops of the Sierra Mountains to the northern tip of Mono County.

Monday, December 20, 2010 CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit crews from the Owens Valley camp near Bishop were involved in snow removal in the Mammoth Lakes area. Four crews were helping to clear roads and fire hydrants. The crews assisted in shoveling out paths to homes where residents were in need of regular medical attention. Crews are back in Mammoth Lakes today continuing to keep the fire hydrants clear. They will also be digging out propane tanks so that people who are running out can be serviced in order to maintain their heating and safety. The crews will also respond to any other situations that might arise.

In the San Bernardino County area, camp crews responded to requests to assist with flooding in the pinon Hills and Wrightwood areas. In the area of Buckwheat and Oak Springs Road in Pinon Hills, Fenner Camp crews did sandbagging and debris flow diversion to protect homes that were being flooded. Other Fenner Camp crews spent the late afternoon and night helping to avert flooding of Highway 2 and several homes in the Wrightwood area. the crews did sandbagging and debris flow work until after midnight.

Today, Fenner Camp crews and equipment are working to open Red Gluch Road in the Valyermo area of Los Angeles County. The road was covered in debris, cutting off the residents of the Big Rock Organizational Camp. There are approximately six homes in the camp with mostly elderly residents. The work to open up the road began at 8:00 A.M. this morning.

Crews from Prado Camp are assisting with flooding at Patton State Hospital in the City of Highland. Crews from the Pilot Rock Camp are on standby to respond to any additional strom related requests for assistance.