Gilroy Sends Mutual Aid To Fire-Devastated North Bay

GILROY, CA - From the City of Gilroy: Like the rest of California and the nation, the City of Gilroy is saddened by the wide-destruction related to the multiple fires affecting the counties of Sonoma and Napa. We wish to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the many first responders including fire, police, public works, red cross and volunteers who continue to work tirelessly throughout this devastating and tragic incident.

Last week the City of Gilroy, along with cities throughout the region, received a request for aid to assist the counties of Sonoma and Napa with the widespread fires and resulting needs. These requests came as part of mutual aid agreements between agencies and continue to be filled based upon the operational capacity of each individual city at the time of the request.

In response to the request, the Gilroy Police Department sent multiple personnel to assist the Sonoma County Sheriff’s office in handling calls for service, traffic control, and patrols to guard against potential looters, trespassers, and unauthorized parties in secured areas. As of today, the California National Guard has taken over all of the fixed-post positions in the areas affected by the fires and law enforcement services through mutual aid are being scaled back.

In addition to the services offered by the Police Department, the Gilroy Fire Department offered to send a fire captain to serve as a Field Observer trainee. Unfortunately, the fire department was unable to provide further assistance because at the time the call for mutual aid was received, the department had two engines being repaired and a third engine awaiting repair. Furthermore, at present the department is not 100% staffed thus requiring the current staff to remain in Gilroy to provide maximum protection for the community.

We will continue to look for opportunities to assist those in need as the situation warrants and within the City’s operational capacity.

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