Crime & Safety

Homebound Washington Firefighters Diverted To Other CA Wildfires

Some firefighters heading home to Washington were redeployed to assist with new wildfires burning in California.

Members of two Washington strike teams were redeployed to the Ranch Fire, burning in Northern California since Sunday.
Members of two Washington strike teams were redeployed to the Ranch Fire, burning in Northern California since Sunday. (South Kitsap Fire & Rescue)

SEATTLE, WA — Some Washington crews heading home from California wildfires were diverted to other blazes Sunday afternoon. Members of strike teams four and five were redeployed to the Ranch fire, burning near Red Bluff in Northern California. The teams include firefighters from Everett Fire, Central Kitsap, and North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Per the last update, 600 acres had burned since the Ranch Fire ignited Sunday.

The Kincaid Fire, burning west of Sacramento, is now 80 percent contained, after burning close to 80,000 acres in Sonoma County since October 23rd. Many of the teams sent by 31 Washington fire agencies helped in that response, allowing some crews to return home on Monday.

In late October, Washington sent seven taskforces of specially trained wildland firefighters to help in California as the state grappled with several blazes threatening thousands of homes. The total number of fire crews returning to Washington was not immediately available.

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