Firefighters in El Centro return after fighting two fires in California
Karina Bazarte
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The first group of El Centro firefighters are back after 14 days of fighting two fires in California.
The El Centro Fire Department (ECFD) says 16 firefighters returned home Sunday after assisting with battling the Gold Fire in San Bernardino County and the Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo County.
ECFD says it was a tough journey, but they’re glad they were able to help.
“Usually the main difference in a fire when you talk about going from the difference between one assignment to another. You’re assignment are pretty much going to be the same. If you’re on a type six, you’re going to have the same type of work. If you’re on one fire or the other one, the main difference is the terrain you’re going on and fuel types.”
Eduardo Ainza, Battalion Chief, El Centro Fire Department
As of Tuesday, the Gold Fire is currently 85% contained and has burned 1,036 acres. At the same time, the Gifford Fire is 95% contained and has burned 131,589 acres.
The rest of the fire task force returned home Monday evening.
To keep up-to-date on the Gold Fire, click here. To keep up-to-date on the Gifford Fire, click here.