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Assisting Southern California Firefighting Efforts

The State of California is requesting additional resources to assist with ongoing wildland firefighting efforts in Southern California. In response to the escalating fire situation, California is seeking 75 engines (15 strike teams) to be deployed as soon as possible. We are reaching out to fire departments in North Carolina to roster personnel and equipment to help address this urgent need.


Given that North Carolina is currently under an elevated fire risk, we ask that departments carefully evaluate their ability to commit resources and manpower for out-of-state deployment at this time. With the potential for fire activity within our own state, it is crucial to balance local needs with the demands for mutual aid in California.



Requirements and Deployment Details:


1. Personnel:

  • All personnel must hold NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) certifications appropriate for their assigned positions.

  • Each engine will be staffed with 3–4 personnel, with a minimum of 3 personnel per engine.

2. Equipment:

  • Only Type 1 or Type 3 Strike Teams or Task Forces will be considered.

  • Engines must be equipped with common communications, including mobile radios and portable field-programmable handheld radios.

  • Each team must include a Task Force Leader and a command vehicle. A leader trainee may accompany the leader but cannot replace them.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Wildland PPE, including fire shelters, is mandatory for all personnel.

4. Duration and Extension:

  • Resources are requested for 14 days, with the potential for extension depending on fire behavior and weather conditions.

5. Manifest:

  • A detailed manifest must be provided, including the following for each member:

  • Name

    • Rank

    • Fire agency

    • Phone number

    • Engine type

    • Fire engine agency

6. Inspection and Additional Information:

  • Upon arrival, all engines and water tenders will undergo an inspection coordinated by CAL FIRE with an agency representative or water tender lead.

  • Private contractors will not be accepted.


Key Notes:

  • Only one command vehicle is permitted if a leader trainee accompanies the leader.

  • California is prioritizing verbal offers with anticipated costs due to the urgency of the situation.


Additional Rostering Information from OSFM:


The NC Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is implementing the Resource Entry and Deployment System (REDS) at https://www.ncosfm.gov/osfm-24 beginning today. This is not a deployment order but rather a rostering system to identify available resources should a need for deployment arise.

  • Currently, we do not have a definitive timeline for possible deployment.

  • The rostering system allows OSFM to contact your department directly with further instructions if deployment becomes necessary.

  • It is imperative that your local Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator are notified that you are rostering before beginning the rostering process.

  • The rostering system will send an email notification to the designated individuals in your county alerting them that your department is rostered.


Please be aware that roster submission does not guarantee deployment, and no reimbursement will begin until the department receives a mission number and formal deployment instructions. You may opt out at any time.


If your department meets these qualifications and is able to support this urgent request, we encourage you to roster. Teams will be prioritized for review based on meeting the stated requirements, regardless of distance.


Thank you for your prompt attention and consideration. We appreciate your willingness to support this critical effort in Southern California.

 




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