East Bay Firefighters Save Homes, Exotic Animals in SoCal Fires

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA - Firefighters from several Contra Costa County agencies are on a Strike Team deployed to fight wildfires in Southern California. They left on Dec. 5 and have been posting photos on social media of their assignments.

Currently they are tasked to the Thomas Fire, safeguarding homes in Carpenteria.

Previously, they were assigned to the Creek Fire. One of their duties was protecting the Wildlife WayStation in Sylmar, a nonprofit animal sanctuary that has over 400 exotic animals. They report, "Our crew along with the rest of the team were able to keep the sanctuary safe. Per Eng Sam Somerhalder, they were able to 'push the fire around' the sanctuary."

Strike Team 2040A is made up of firefighters from Moraga-Orinda, Rodeo-Hercules, Contra Costa County, East Contra Costa County and San Ramon Valley. It is unknown when they will return. When they were released from the Creek Fire they thought they were heading home. As they were driving they were reassigned to the Thomas Fire.

-All images via Strike Team 2040A Agencies