The firefighters have to be funded separately from forest fire prevention. Both are vital to end these dangers. For years now, the forest fire prevention program has suffered because of the need for fire fighters. The two efforts need to be funded separately to help prevent deaths of the men and women fighting wild fires.
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the firefighter lost today.
It is the wind. It is unpredictable and strong.
December 14, 2017
By Joseph Serna and Brittny Mejia
Fire officials confirmed Thursday (click here) that a firefighter died while battling the Thomas fire, which ranks as the fourth-largest in the state's modern history.
"I am very saddened to report that a firefighter fatality has occurred on the Thomas Incident," Chief Ken Pimlott, the director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said in a statement. "Please join me in keeping our fallen firefighter and his loved ones in your prayers and all the responders on the front lines in your thoughts as they continue to work under extremely challenging conditions."
Pimlott said the victim was a Cal Fire engineer from the San Diego unit. Details about the firefighter's death were not immediately available.
"IMT 4, CAL FIRE Local 2881 and Southern Region leadership are working to support the Unit and his family, who have been notified," Pimlott said.
There will be a news conference at 6 p.m....
