Three FD7 crew members work to extinguish embers on a downed tree on the LNU complex fire in California.
courtesy Fire District 7
MONROE — A Snohomish County Fire District 7 engine crew of five firefighters arrived in Napa, California Aug. 23 to assist the containment of the LNU Complex wildfire. The deployment is scheduled for two weeks but can be extended depending on the needs of those working to contain the fire.
“They could get sent home early, but right now, it doesn’t seem like it,” said Heather Chadwick, the fire district’s spokeswoman.
In addition to digging lines and performing other wildland-specific duties, the crew has also been working in residential areas.
“Our crew is doing structural protection, mop up around homes where the fires already come through. They are also helping run fire-related emergencies within their area that just come in, assisting their local fire departments that are down there,” said Chadwick.
Chadwick said the state of California requested engines specifically because the capacity of water is higher than a brush truck and is needed in residential areas.
Washington state sent two strike teams and multiple engines to California. A member of the District 7 crew is the strike team leader for engine crews from Sky Valley Fire, Camano Island Fire and Rescue, South County Fire, Skagit County Fire and Fire District 7.
Every firefighter within Fire District 7 is certified to fight wildland fires. The certification is known as a red card.
The LNU Complex fire is north of San Francisco, in Napa and Sonoma counties. It is the second-largest wildfire in Califonia state history.
