DFEMS deploys 29 to help fight California wildfires

As one of the largest wildfires in California history has continued to rage since July 27, a total of 29 CNMI civilians and firefighters under the Department of Fire and Emergency Services have teamed up to aid their fellow frontliners.

Just before their deployment, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and DFEMS Commissioner Juan Pua met with these brave individuals and their families yesterday at the Susupe fire station to wish them Godspeed as they are set to deploy.

“Their safety is of paramount concern,” Palacios said to the media, shortly after the meeting. “That is the key element to this assignment. We don’t want to send them and something happens. It’s always a concern, but we’re doing our part to help the state of California in this crisis. As they also send people when we need their help, it’s our turn to reciprocate, but at the same time we need to make sure, always make sure that our men who are going are safe. They’re not going to a very safe place. It’s a challenge, as they’re going to be fighting wildfires in the forests of California. We just need to continue to encourage them and inspire them.”

He also shared confidence in the team bound for the West Coast.

“Even in the past, every time we send our men, they were always given really high recognition for their skills and their hard work. You know, also, secondarily, it upscales the level of professionalism in firefighting skills.”

Pua shared that the men had been preparing for such a moment with training that ranged from the “arduous pack test” where an individual has to don a 45-lb weight vest or backpacks and speed walk of two miles on a 15-minute pace to cutting line, using chainsaws and other forestry tools in these situations.

“This is an opportunity for them to enhance their training and to gain more experience as they go abroad.”

Pua shared that the deployment tour will last about 60 days and after the tour, the men will have a little time to rest before coming back home.

“I want to thank the governor and the administration for their continuous support for getting our team once again get deployed to California to assist them over there,” he said.

To the firefighters’ families, he added, “I want to thank them for their full support and want everyone to keep the prayers coming and have faith in them. These guys they’ve been through a lot of training and we are confident in them.”

DFEMS public information officer Robert Mojica shared that the first group of 17 responders are scheduled to fly out today and the second group of 12 will fly out tomorrow.

“They are going to be leaving from here to Guam, then Hawaii, then they land in Sacramento. From there they will be going to Willows to fight the park fire that’s happening right now in California,” he shared. “The fire, last I checked, about 5% to 10% is contained at the moment. I know that crews out there are battling it. From what I’m hearing and reading is that this has been one of the most intense fires that has been in the region of California in the past 10-15 years… “

He said the teams will be working 14 days on, three days off, and 16 hours per workday as soon as they get on the line, which is when their deployment begins.

Mojica shared that although difficult, he has confidence in the men’s abilities. “These guys have been training for it. These guys have been working hard for it, so it’s well-earned stuff.”

To the families, he shared, “For the first-time families, I understand it’s going to be hard. There’s going to be time where the guys are going to be on the scenes on the fire line. There’s not going to be any communication. I’m in the military and there have been times where I’ve been off training somewhere and there’s no mobile service. I understand for the families it’s going to be hard, but it’s going to be a great experience for your loved ones. Keep them in your prayers and your thoughts. “