The devastating wildfires in California are forcing families to flee but are drawing resources from all over the country, including Paris, Texas.
Early this morning, four local firemen responded to the call for help and left for California.
Paris Fire Department’s Captain Matt Barbee and Firefighter Corey Parks, Driver Michael Fox with the Allen Fire Department, and Lamar County Emergency Management Coordinator Quincy Blout will be part of a Strike Team from Northwest Texas as part of TIFMAS (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System).
“It’s what the fire service is about,” said Fox. “I was explaining to my kiddos that when events like this come up in your career, you want to help your neighbors whenever possible.”
Northern California’s Camp Fire has already destroyed more than 6,400 homes, killed 31 people and as of Monday morning, only 25% of the fire has been contained. But that hasn’t stopped local firefighters from responding to the call for help.
“All we know is what we have seen on tv,” said Fox. “The Bastrop Complex Fire of 2011 is the worst I have ever seen and this will be a new experience as the terrain and winds are much different and will affect fire behavior.”
Fox said they are meeting up with the rest of the task force and their Strike Team leader before heading to Southern California.
The crew’s deployment could last up to 14 days, meaning the group will likely spend Thanksgiving away from home.
“We are just blessed to have the equipment, departments, and supportive families that enable us to go help out and have this experience in our careers.”
Please keep all the men and women responding to the call for help in your prayers and THANK YOU for your service.
