RANCHO SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KGTV) - CalFire San Diego has commissioned a strike team from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department to aid in brush fire responses around the county.
The team consists of five brush engines and a crew of about 25 firefighters.
CalFire decided to create the team after sending about 150 personnel to assist in other fires across the state, according to Kendal Bortisser, a public information officer for CalFire.
It also comes ahead of a hot and dry weekend with mild Santa Ana winds.
“It’s not something we’ve done many times in the past. It’s relatively new,” said Bortisser of the arrangement.
While the two departments often share resources, the strike team is a preemptive effort to combat potential fires. The ability to dispatch five engines at once, anywhere in the county, could save hours of organization and travel time.
“Two hours is priceless,” said Bortisser, estimating the time that could be saved in certain circumstances.
CalFire has positioned a second strike team in north county.
Bortisser said the teams will be available until they deem the threat has subsided.
