Downey firefighters deployed to fight blazes

DOWNEY – Downey firefighters were among the first responders dispatched to help fight the wildfires raging across California this week.

Photo courtesy Downey Fire Department

Downey Engine 62 was deployed to the Hill incident in Ventura County on Nov. 9, where Downey personnel joined a strike team comprised of firefighters from Downey, Compton, La Habra Heights, Vernon and Santa Fe Springs.

Later that day, more Downey firefighters were dispatched to help fight the Woolsey Fire in Malibu. The Downey firefighters joined a strike team that contained fire personnel from Glendale, La Verne, San Marino, Torrance, and Redondo Beach.

Downey firefighter and paramedic Scott Wilcox was separately deployed as a fire medic to the Hill Fire in Thousand Oaks.

Fire Chief Mark Gillaspie said Downey firefighters have been credited with saving several homes.

“Reports indicate our crews performed well under extremely challenging conditions, saving many homes,” said Gillaspie. “I am extremely proud of our firefighters. They literally save lives every single day.”

Gillaspie added that Downey firefighters are typically deployed for seven days, but in this case, their assignment may be extended an additional week.