The firefighters say the devastation in California is far more overwhelming than what is captured on television or in online footage.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. — Central Texas firefighters are lending their expertise to battle the wildfires currently raging in Los Angeles. Among them are three Killeen firefighters and one from Morgan’s Point Resort, who have been on the frontlines of the Palisades fire this week.
The firefighters say the devastation in California is far more overwhelming than what is captured on television or in online footage. Working 24-hour shifts, the teams are also in rehabilitation mode for 24 hours between shifts.
“The coordinated efforts have been amazing from California and the people here themselves have been very thankful and kind,” said Marcus Stillwell, captain with the Killeen Fire Department (KFD). “We’ve had celebrities feed us meals. Everybody we see tells us thank you for our service. It’s been heart-touching to experience the love that California has shown us.”
The firefighters are also struck by the unpredictable nature of the fires.
“The neighborhood we were working yesterday had several burned houses, but then you may have a house in between that was seemingly untouched by fire,” said Chris Poston, a KFD captain. “So, that’s really interesting and kind of sticks with you. It’s like, why this house and not this house and they’re right next door to each other. I’ve never seen anything like it. I mean, you could probably describe it as apocalyptic.”
For Fire Specialist Katharine Myers of Morgan’s Point Resort Fire and Rescue, this is her first large-scale deployment.
“It’s a pretty big one to kind of touch teeth on,” Myers said. “It’s kind of been like drinking from the fire hose, learning as much as I can.”
The crew has most recently been assigned to work on the southwest side of the Palisades Fire, focusing on containing the flames and preventing further fires from igniting. But they say it could all quickly change.
“It’s day by day,” Capt. Jason Wuest with KFD added. “I mean, every day they’re having small fires start off here and there and it only takes a matter of time and then another one’s gonna break out with the weather they’ve been having.”
While working, they also recognize the personal growth that comes from participating in large-scale operations like this. They are gaining new skills and insights into logistics and support, which they will apply when they return to serve Central Texas.
“Gives us the chance to learn different techniques, to see different skills used and things that can help us back home,” Wuest said.
The help from local fire departments like Killeen and Morgan’s Point Resort reflects the nationwide effort among first responders as they battle the fires in Los Angeles.
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