Fire Fighters Make Significant Progress Battling California Wildfires

July 24, 2008 –After more than a month of battling wildfires against tough terrain and dry conditions, fire fighters in California have reduced the number of active fires ignited lightning storms from 2,000 to 33. However, 13,000 fire fighters – most IAFF members – remain on the frontlines. More than 25,000 were deployed during the fires’ peak.

The progress is attributed somewhat to recent cooler, moist weather conditions, but mostly to the constant, determined efforts of fire fighters.

Remarkably, no significant fire fighter injuries have been reported. “That is a true testament to the training and professionalism of our fire fighters,” says Lou Paulson, president of the California Professional Firefighters (CPF). “This is not to say that the fires have not taken their toll on our members. Our fire fighters were out there days at a time, sleeping on the ground. They are suffering from extreme fatigue.”

One IAFF member – Newport Beach, CA Local 3734 fire fighter Kevin Pryor -- died of a brain aneurysm within 24 hours after returning from the Butte County fire last month.

“I am proud of all the progress our members have made, but our work here is not done.” says Bob Wolf, president of CDF Local 2881. “We are still working to extinguish some of the largest fires in the Northern-Central Valley and the North Coast.”

In Junction City, the fire is now 60 percent contained. This fire, in particular, is causing some concern because it is positioned less than a mile from a town of about 800.

On the coast near Big Sur, fire fighters have been battling tough, steep terrain working to get a large blaze there under control. After more than 138,000 acres were burned, fire fighters now report 72 percent containment.

In total, the fires have scorched more than 1,500 square miles and destroyed 122 homes. “Often, the focus is on what we lost, forgetting what fire fighters have been able to save,” says Paulson. “Our members have prevented 25,000 residences, historic sites and Indian burial grounds from burning. Additionally, there have been very few power outages because our fire fighters have been able to keep the blazes away from the major utility lines.”

The governor has declared a state of emergency in 12 counties, including Shasta and Trinity counties, and on June 28, President Bush declared a state of emergency in California.