Firefighters from around the nation were called upon this winter to aid in fighting the two major blazes that were continuously burning through California.
Thanks to Idaho’s Fire Chief’s Response Plan, departments throughout Idaho were able to come to the aid and assist with the deterrent of these fires. The FCRP “provides for the rapid activation and response of aid to a community,” according to the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association.
Joshua Pospychalla, Assistant Chief for The Orofino Fire Department, was sent to operate as Engine Boss for the Kamiah Fire Department structural engine in the Idaho Task Force 4. This Task Force was placed to help in the surrounding areas of Fire Station 69, Will Rodgers Park, and Palisades High School.
Idaho Task Force 4, one of five sent from Idaho, consisted of the Worley Fire Department, Kamiah Fire Department, White Bird Fire Department, Sun Valley Fire Department and Swan Valley Fire Department. Coeur d’Alene and Boise districts also made up parts of the other four task forces. Lewiston Fire Department did not participate in this response plan.
According to Pospychalla, these forces were assigned to provide public safety, limit damage to structural areas affected by the fire and hold the fire within their established control lines.
“This was the largest operation I’ve been deployed to,” said Pospychalla, “so I would say the most memorable would be the sight of the command post-Malibu at shift change. I’ve never seen so many engines in one place.”
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported the Hughes Fires to be at full containment as of Thursday, Jan. 30, and the Palisades and Eaton fires to be at full containment as of Saturday, Feb. 1.
White Bird and Kamiah Fire Rescues were asked to provide information, but no further comments were received.
