Park Record | 2018-08-11 | Page 29

Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, August 11-14, 2018 The Park Record B-7 California’s blazes call for diverse army including inmates, foreigners About 14,000 assembled to fight state’s largest fire JONATHAN J. COOPER AND PAUL ELIAS Associated Press UKIAH, Calif. — Firefighters said for the first time Wednesday that they have made good progress battling the state’s largest-ever wildfire but didn’t expect to have it fully under control until September. The blaze north of San Francisco has grown to the size of Los Angeles since it started two weeks ago, fueled by dry vegetation, high winds and rugged terrain that made it too dangerous for firefighters to directly attack the flames now spanning 470 square miles. Crews, including inmates and firefighters from overseas, have managed to cut lines around half the fire to contain the flames, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. The blaze about 100 miles north of San Francisco around the resort region of Clear Lake has destroyed 116 homes and injured two firefighters. Those lines have kept the southern edge of the fire from spreading into residential areas on the east side of the lake. But Cal Fire said the flames are out of control to the north, roaring into remote and unpopulated areas of thick forests and deep ravines as firefighters contend with record-setting temperatures. California is seeing earlier, longer and more destructive wildfire seasons because of drought, warmer weather attributed to climate change and home construction deeper into the forests. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jonathan Cox said the area has few natural barriers to slow flames and terrain that firefighters can’t get to. So firefighters fall back to the nearest road, ridge or river, where they bulldoze a wide line and wait for the flames to come to them. The Mendocino Complex, which will take months to put out, is one of 18 burning throughout the state Wednesday. Because of such extreme conditions early on, officials and experts warn that California could be facing its toughest wildfire season yet, with the historically worst months still to come. Here’s a look at the firefighters who are battling California’s blazes: 14,000 firefighters They are deployed statewide and led by Cal Fire. The state’s firefighting agency employs 5,300 full-time firefighters and hires an additional 1,700 each fire season. Trained prisoners and firefighters from 17 states and around the world fill out the ranks. They are battling blazes on the Nevada border and along the coast. Cal Fire crews are helping federal firefighters put out flames in national forests and one that has reached Yosemite National Park, prompting its closure at the height of tourist season. Those on the ground get help from more than 1,000 fire engines, 59 bulldozers, 22 air tankers, 17 airplanes, 12 helicopters and 11 mobile kitchens. Firefighters under Cal Fire’s command have helped Oregon authorities fight a fire near the California border and responded to a blaze that broke out this week in Orange County and burned a dozen cabins. 4,088 at Mendocino Complex Fire The state’s largest wildfire in history has drawn a contingent to battle what is actually two fires burning so closely together that they’re being attacked as one. Though it’s exploded in size, more firefighters are fighting a fire near Redding that has killed six people and destroyed more than 1,000 homes and businesses. It threatens a much larger urban area, so Cal Fire has devoted more resources to it. Both blazes are considered nearly half contained. 1,916 inmates California prisoners also are fighting fires. Cal Fire trains minimum-security inmates and pays them $1 an hour in the field and $2 a day when they’re not on duty. Inmate firefighters also typically have their sentences reduced for every day spent fighting fires. They do similar work to any firefighter, working long hours and sleeping in camps with other inmates. Most are on the front lines, using chainsaws and hand tools to reduce tinder-dry brush and trees to stop the flames. 53 from Down Under Firefighters from Australia and New Zealand are helping California, arriving this week at the Mendocino Complex Fire after an 8,600-mile flight and two-hour bus trip. “We don’t get fires this big in New Zealand,” said Craig Cotrill, chief of the Wellington Fire Department. The New Zealanders have been assigned as safety officers, line supervisors and heavy equipment “bosses” who direct bulldozer operators. 200 soldiers They are undergoing four days of training to fight wildfires and are expected to be deployed to California next week, U.S. Army Col. Rob Manning said in a statement. Authorities haven’t decided where to send the soldiers from the Tacoma, Washington-based 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion. They will be outfitted with wildland protective gear, organized into 10 teams and led by experienced civilian firefighters. Personnel from the same base helped fight California wildfires last year. Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Murphy Noni Chi Chi Evie Meet Murphy, a 1-year-old Shepherd mix. This happy dog is full of energy! He needs a patient owner who can help him overcome his fears. He is dog-selective but ignores cats. He also prefers a home without small children. He’s an active guy who will make a great companion! This sweet gal is Noni, a 2-year-old cattle dog mix! She has such a nice temperament. Noni loves to go on walks, is very energetic, and loves to play. She is good with other dogs and is more than willing to give cats their space. Come and meet this sweet girl today! Chi Chi is a 3-year-old Chihuahua. He’s very sweet but can be a bit shy at first. He loves to be held and go on walks. Chi Chi doesn’t seem to mind cats but would be happiest as the only dog in his home. This little guy is a big snuggler! Meet Evie, a playful 10-month-old Shepherd mix! This sweet girl is very social, loves people, and is dog-selective. She prefers a home without cats. She is very high-energy and loves long walks or hikes. She’d be a wonderful addition to an active and fun-loving home! Valentino Lime Marilou Pineapple Valentino may be a little bit camera-shy, but that doesn’t make him any less adorable! He’s an easygoing cat who is about 3 years old. Valentino is a snuggly guy who loves to curl up on your lap and snooze the day away. He gets along well with other mellow cats, too! Lime is a beautiful 1-yearold Domestic Shorthair with a glossy black coat and beautiful golden eyes. She is a sweet and curious girl who likes people and gets along well with other cats. She is sure to be a wonderful and loving companion for her forever family! Marilou is an affectionate senior Domestic Shorthair with a beautiful dilute tortie and white coat. She’s a relaxed and mellow girl who enjoys relaxing and snuggling with her favorite people. Marilou is a sweet cat and is always up for a good scratch behind the ears! Pineapple is a 2-year-old tabby and white Domestic Shorthair. He’s a spunky and playful cat with lots of energy. He loves to spend time with people and does well with other cats. Pineapple will bring lots of fun, laughter, and love to his forever home! WaNted: voluNteerS These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to [e-mail]. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words Girl Scouts Be the Girl Scout volunteer she’ll always remember. As a volunteer with a Girl Scout troop, you’ll introduce girls to new experiences that make every day feel like the best day ever. At every turn you’ll be their cheerleader, guide and mentor, helping them develop the skills and confidence that will last long after the meetings are over. For more information, visit http://www.gsutah.org/en/ volunteer-role-model.html or call Heather Smith at 801-716-5109. Guide Dogs for the Blind Guide Dogs for the Blind needs puppy raisers and sitters. Volunteers provide a nurturing, well-rounded, social environment for puppies 8 weeks old to 15 months. Guide Dogs for the Blind supports raisers and sitters with organized weekly training and socialization meetings. Basic equipment and complete veterinary care is provided for the puppies while with their raisers. Meetings are Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Park City/Heber areas. Contact Stefanie at 435-657-0760 for meeting location or questions; Facebook/ SummitGuideDogs, or www.guidedogs.com. Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties Habitat for Humanity invites you build sustainable, healthy and affordable housing as a ReStore volunteer. Do you love to tinker and fix things? Find treasures? Are you looking for a regular volunteer opportunity that is fun and makes a lasting difference for local families? Immediate opportunities include cashier, merchandising, and customer ambassador roles. For more information call 435658-1400 or visit habitat-utah.org. Help Eliminate Alzheimer’s The Alzheimer’s Association’s Utah Chapter has many opportunities available for volunteers to raise awareness and promote community events. Areas of particular need are community education, outreach, research, social media, public policy, communications and development. Positions can also be created depending on interest and passion. Many positions are virtual. Please contact Ronnie Daniel, executive director: [e-mail]. Holy Cross Ministries Holy Cross Ministries has openings for volunteers in both the School Readiness Program (3 to 5-year-olds at St. Mary’s White Pine Canyon, Mondays-Thursdays, 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m.) and in after-school homework help sessions at Parleys Park, Jeremy Ranch and McPolin Elementary programs which run 3-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. School Readiness will benefit from persons willing to read and work at small group centers. Please contact Miriam Garcia ([e-mail]) for more information on the School Readiness Program. Contact Franz Montalvo ([e-mail]) for information on the After-School Program. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/volunteers 1990 28 2018 2018 Committed To DEDICATED TO PARK CITY FOR 28 YEARS [phone] [e-mail] 1670 Bonanza Drive • Park Record Building It’s the Place the Locals Choose ALL SPECIAL ENTREES — $27.50 — EVERY TUESDAY! Including assorted Salad, Dinner, and Dessert European & American Cuisine Full Service Bar with Bar Menu. ADOLPH’S - a 40 year Park City Tradition! Open Nightly 435.649.7177 • 1500 Kearns Blvd.