Story Sales & Service



National & World Ag News Headlines
USDA Forest Service Supports California Fire Suppression
USAgNet - 11/15/2018

The USDA Forest Service is supporting fire suppression efforts in California, where two massive wildfires burn at opposite ends of the state. Both fires started on Nov. 8.

"The people of California are in need of our support," said James Hubbard, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. "USDA's Forest Service firefighters and law enforcement are standing shoulder to shoulder with our citizens, state and local partners to help communities recover and stop the devastation."

At 135,000 acres in size, the Camp Fire in the north started along the edge of the Plumas National Forest within the State Response Area. In just a week, the fire has devastated the town of Paradise in Butte County, where more than 7,600 structures have been destroyed, and multiple fatalities have been reported. An additional 17,500 structures, along with major power, transportation, and communications infrastructure, continue to be threatened. Another 8,876 acres have burned on private timber lands and Plumas National Forest. At only 35% containment, the fire shows little sign of slowing down.

"Firefighters and law enforcement from the city, county, state, and Federal levels are proving their tenacity and resolve in answering their call to service. We owe them our gratitude," said Hubbard.

The Forest Service is in unified command with CALFIRE, the Butte County Sheriff Department, and the Paradise Police Department by providing 485 personnel, including five crews, three helicopters, 66 engines, and two bulldozers.

The Forest Service is also supporting the Butte County Sheriff's Department by providing 26 Law Enforcement Investigators (LEIs) to help respond to a backlog of 911 calls. LEIs are also conducting welfare checks of citizens unaccounted for and assisting with mandatory evacuations.


Other National Headlines
McFarlanes/Flexharrow
E-Z Trail Farm Wagons
Copyright © 2024 - Farms.com. All Rights Reserved.