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Local firefighters serve detail to fight wildfires in California

Local firefighters Jake Banks of Xanterra Fire & Security, Lawrence Barela of the Grand Canyon Airport Aeronautics Division, and Bob Blasi of the Kaibab National Forest, Tusayan Ranger District, assisted crews in California last month

Local firefighters Jake Banks of Xanterra Fire & Security, Lawrence Barela of the Grand Canyon Airport Aeronautics Division, and Bob Blasi of the Kaibab National Forest, Tusayan Ranger District, assisted crews in California last month

Three local firefighters recently returned from a two-week assignment on the San Bernardino National Forest near Lake Arrowhead, Calif., where they were assigned to the Slide Wildfire incident last month.

Jake Banks of Xanterra Fire & Security, Lawrence Barela of the Grand Canyon Airport Aeronautics Division, and Bob Blasi of the Kaibab National Forest, Tusayan Ranger District, corroborated efforts with a Strike Team of five type 6 engines from Arizona to assist with the devastating wildfires that plagued California in October.

The three men staffed the Tusayan Fire Department "attack 5" engine, joining forces with engine companies from Mt. Lemmon, Oracle, Rincon Valley and Show Low, Ariz.

Because of the extreme threat to property, they worked alongside structural firefighters in the wildland-urban interface.

"It was one of the worst in California state history as far as loss of property," Blasi said.

They were also poised for a second Santa Ana wind event to kick the fires back up again, but, "It never quite happened," said Blasi.

The call for available firefighters and equipment went out through federal, state, county and local agencies across the country.

"When the call came, we felt an obligation to go and help," said Blasi. "We are grateful for the privilege to serve the community as emergency responders."

He added that many grateful California residents were astounded that they "came all the way from Grand Canyon" to help out.

The Tusayan Fire Department extended a special thanks to the three men's employers for allowing them time away from their regular jobs.

The firefighters volunteer at the Tusayan Fire Department.


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