Hundreds of IAFF members are on the frontlines of the Silverado fire, which has burned nearly 13,500 acres and is threatening thousands of homes. Approximately 90,000 residents, including several IAFF members, have evacuated.Members are working to contain the fire but are challenged by strong winds. Two Orange County Local 3631 members were critically injured as they were fighting the blaze. Additional details surrounding their injuries are forthcoming.
“As our members remain in the hospital, the IAFF and Local 3631 are focusing resources on the members and their families,” says General President Harold Schaitberger. “They have our full support as they navigate through this difficult time.”
“I have deployed a district field service representative, a burn coordinator and peer support staff to begin to assist Local 3631 and our injured members,” says 10th District Vice President Frank Lima. “The 10th District will continue to provide resources for as long as they are needed.”
The Orange County Fire Authority has asked Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency to release state resources to assist with this fire. Meanwhile, the fire authority has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
