The Monterey Park Fire Department currently has two apparatus and nine personnel battling the Mendocino Complex fire that is raging in northern California.
Engine 61 was initially dispatched to the Cranston Fire that was burning in the Idyllwild area. Once that fire was under control, the strike team that Engine 61 was attached to was re-directed to the Carr Fire in the City of Redding, California. Multiple fires are burning in this area therefore the fire has been renamed the Mendocino Complex. Complex fires are made up of multiple large scale fires in the same vicinity.
OES Engine 281 was initially deployed to the Santa Barbara area in anticipation of red flag conditions. From there it was re-directed to the same location as Engine 61. OES engines are a California owned apparatus that are strategically placed throughout the state and are called upon when needed. OES 281 is stationed in Monterey Park and staffed by Monterey Park personnel.
Deployments for these apparatus range from 14 to 21 days.
We also have one individual firefighter deployed in an overhead position called REMS or Rapid Extraction Module Support. This position is part of a team that stands at the ready to assist with rapid extraction of firefighting personnel should the need arise.
All personnel and resource costs are reimbursed to the City of Monterey Park by the State of California.
The Mendocino Complex includes the Ranch and River Fires. Recent numbers show the Ranch Fire has burned over 225,000 acres and is 21 percent contained. The River Fire has burned over 48,000 acres and is 58 percent contained. The original Carr Fire claimed 1,080 homes and burned over 163,000 acres. It is currently 45 percent contained. There have been four firefighter fatalities and three civilian fatalities.
Media Contact
Division Chief Matt Hallock, PIO, Monterey Park Fire Department
MHallock@montereypark.ca.gov
626-307-1270
www.MontereyPark.ca.gov
