Utah fire agencies are helping fight the devastating wildfires in southern California.
Firefighters from throughout Utah reported for duty at the Lilac Fire outside San Diego on Friday. About 100 Utah firefighters - including some from Layton, Draper, Cedar City and Provo - will be tackling the blazes for up to two weeks.
“It’s one of those things where, hey, we have a resource, it’s available, and we’re happy that we have people to send, to go help a state in need,” says Joe Dougherty, spokesman for the Utah Division of Emergency Management.
Provo crew on there way to California, it’s Ice & Fire as it’s in the 21 degrees here this morning pic.twitter.com/VtJjI0Dknj
— ProvoFireRescue (@provofire) December 7, 2017
He says it’s the fourth time this year that Utah emergency crews helped out with disasters in other states thanks to what’s known as the nationwide “Emergency Management Assistance Compact.”
It’s a mutual aid association that’s been tapped for hurricanes, like Harvey and Irma, and the California wildfires in October. Some Utah crews are still assisting with the Puerto Rico hurricane cleanup through a similar organization.
Dougherty says Utah is about 49th out of 50 for major disaster declarations in the United States and, so far, Utah’s hasn’t had to call in emergency crews from other states under the compact.
“We know that other states would be available if their resources were needed here,” he says. “Sometimes you give and sometimes you get.”
Dougherty says Utah benefits from helping out in situations like this because firefighters get training and experience that they can apply at home.
