On Thursday, six Kirkland firefighters packed up and headed to lend a hand with the wildfire crises in Southern California. As part of King County Strike Team 1, they're joining forces with crews from Bothell Fire, Fall City Fire, Shoreline Fire, Eastside Fire, and their own Kirkland Fire Department, ready to tackle the flames. The team's journey south will span roughly two days, according to an announcement from the City of Kirkland's official website.
"Kirkland's commitment to serve others doesn’t stop at our city limits," Councilmember Amy Falcone stated on City of Kirkland's, emphasizing the readiness of their firefighters to extend help beyond their jurisdiction. With multiple deployments, four to California alone since 2018, Kirkland's wildfire team has a seasoned history of showing up for neighbors in distress, even as far as Hawaii and during East Coast hurricanes. Falcone expressed immense pride in these responders, always ready when called upon by others.
The rigors of wildland firefighting are well known, and Kirkland’s team is preparing for 24-hour shifts, alternating with equal rest periods. Their stay in the affected areas can extend up to 14 days of grueling work, as reported by the City of Kirkland. Wildland firefighting is an unpredictable and dangerous job, one that requires both physical endurance and mental fortitude from its brave participants.
The backbone of this wildland fire team, explained by Kirkland Fire Chief Joe Sanford, extends beyond those actively battling the blazes. Families and coworkers collectively contribute, providing a foundation of support allowing firefighters to commit to these challenging deployments. In a statement obtained by the City of Kirkland's official website, Sanford says, "We’re keeping all of them, as well as the crews battling the fires in California, in our thoughts." The acknowledgment is a solemn reminder of the silent strength that binds this community of service-centered individuals in times of need and crisis.
This isn't just another mutual aid call. Kirkland Fire's wildland team has grown to 42 members who wield certifications enabling them to respond to wildfire emergencies promptly. Their dedication to service is a testament to the cooperative spirit that fuels not only their fire engines but also their commitment to hard work and resilience amid adversity. As Southern California faces its latest environmental struggle, the team from Kirkland, Washington, stands among those ready to defend and preserve, house by house, forest by forest.
