
As California contends with devastating wildfires, firefighters from Clark County and beyond are stepping up to confront the flames. According to KTNV, the City of Las Vegas and Clark County Fire Departments have now dispatched a second strike team to assist in battling the blaze in Southern California.
The latest group from Clark County includes about 20 firefighters and has been equipped with four fire engines, a water tanker, two battalion chiefs, and a mechanic. "We are sending structural firefighters down there. They are critical thinkers that are adaptable and ready to take on anything," Chief John Steinbeck told KTNV. Steinbeck emphasized that their assignments will cover a range of necessary tasks, from fighting the fires to providing emergency medical response and support operations.
Meanwhile, a News3LV report indicates that the first team of 24 members has been actively combating the Pacific Palisades fire, focusing on extinguishing spot fires within local neighborhoods. They've worked along the Los Angeles County Fire Department to manage a local residential fire. Over in Pasadena, the Eaton Fire is challenging the second team of 21 members as they work to extinguish spot fires in Division Zulu, in close coordination with an Arizona Task Force.
Current reports document that the Pacific Palisades fire has burned over 20,000 acres and is 8 percent contained, with more than 3,000 firefighters on the scene. On the other hand, the Eaton Fire remains 0 percent contained after scorching 14,000 acres. Teams from the valley are on 24-hour shifts, including personnel from Las Vegas Valley fire departments, ready to lend their support for what is anticipated to be a one to two-week deployment. Amid the crisis, Las Vegas Fire Chief Queen Anunay sought to reassure the community, saying, "We are still committed to maintaining the safety and the needs within the valley of Las Vegas," a sentiment echoed by KTNV.