By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News; photos from Tulalip Bay Fire Department Facebook
One of the most challenging fires in California’s history has engulfed the city of Los Angeles, destroying over 10,000 houses and consuming more than 23,700 acres in Palisades County. The fire began on January 7 and spread rapidly, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. Additionally, 14,100 acres burned in Eaton, 800 in Hurst, 1,052 in Kenneth, and 43 in Sunset. As of Tuesday, January 14, this tragedy has left 23 lives lost and damages exceeding $100 billion. Thousands of individuals have lost everything they owned and now face unimaginable hardships.
Yet, in the face of adversity, hope prevails. Brave crews from Washington have rallied to the cause, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience. Fire departments, such as the Tulalip Bay Fire Department, have joined forces with others in the area, demonstrating unwavering determination to help control the fires in Los Angeles.
On Friday, January 10, after an exhausting 18-hour drive into Los Angeles, the Tulalip Bay Fire Department crew faced a grueling 20-hour shift, totaling 38 hours without rest before their first break. Upon reaching Zuma Beach, the command post for their operations, the crew prioritized inspecting vehicles and gear to ensure readiness for combating the fires.
“When Mother Nature calls, our firefighters are ready to respond,” the Tulalip Fire Department said on their Facebook page.
Their first shift occurred on Sunset Boulevard, where they protected residential areas overnight as the fire approached. “In the morning, the fire was bumping up against the neighborhood, and we had to put in handlines, lay hoses connecting off hydrants, and work with air tech when the fire started getting going again,” Captain James Shockley explained.
The firefighters are part of North Strike Team 1, alongside other teams from Washington State. Seven states, along with Canada and Mexico, have joined the fight to end the Palisades fire. Initially, California funded these efforts, but with worsening weather conditions, the Federal Government has stepped in to ensure resources are available.
Captain Shockley described the weather’s challenges. “The biggest issue is the wind. It ripped through a big stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway when the fire first started. All the homes built on the ocean side were destroyed. It ran through those homes like nothing could stop it. To see chimneys left standing and Sunset Boulevard in ruins was just next-level devastation. It has been wild to see.”
Despite the damage, the crews’ support has been exceptional. “Everyone here has been great,” Captain Shockley noted. The ground support for our team and rigs has been excellent. With long drives out to our work sites and back, each shift takes about 32-34 hours. So, being diligent about getting a good night’s sleep is essential to handling the workload.”
The Tulalip team along with crews from South County, Camano Island and Snohomish are actively working in the Ventura and Balboa neighborhoods. They are clearing areas to prepare for potential fires that may occur due to the expected winds in the coming days and weeks.
Due to the current weather conditions, the Tulalip Bay Fire Department will be stationed in Los Angeles for the next two weeks as they continue their efforts to combat the fire.
If you or someone you know would like to help, you can donate to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund at lahsa.org. Your support can make a significant difference in helping those affected rebuild their lives.