In January, NAPA firefighters from all over the state rushed to Southern California to assist in battling the several fires that erupted in the Los Angeles region.
Rob Wettstein, a member of the Cal Fire unit in Napa County, was one of those firemen.
“We like to say we’re always ready for every single incident, but I think in essence no one is ever ready for an incident as destructive at this one,” Wettstein stated.
A few weeks ago, he was in the midst of the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles, but he is now back to work in Napa.
Having been with Cal Fire for almost 20 years, Wettstein has fought countless fires, but this one felt especially important.
Recalling his time helping in Los Angeles County, Wettstein remarked, “It’s definitely going to be a fire that no one forgets.”
Tens of thousands of acres were destroyed by the fire, and 17 individuals lost their lives.
He was pre-positioned in San Bernadino by Cal Fire the day before the fire started. He claimed that time was devoted to getting to know his new crew and preparing for the unknown.
“You build relationships very quick, in this state you kind of have to, that’s what makes an incident successful,” he stated.
The fire damaged or destroyed over 10,000 structures. Despite his pride in their efforts, he can’t help but feel a little discouraged.
“Every devastating fire that we go to we’d like to be driving back home to that unit feeling some sense of victory,” Wettstein stated. “It’s very hard to feel that when there’s so much loss, especially on the Eaton and even the Palisades.”
People may learn from the LA flames, he added, for example, to always be prepared to evacuate because conditions can change rapidly anywhere in the state.
This is particularly true if the local weather is exceptionally windy and dry.
“I would say it was overwhelming, for sure, it’s difficult to say that this is the new normal, but it really is,” Wettstein stated. “Destructive flames are a common problem for us. The Park incident, our own Dixie Fire in the northern portion of the state, and the list goes on.
He intends to apply the knowledge gained to better safeguard residents of Napa, the Bay Area, and the state.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.