Newport Fire Chief Rob Murphy talked with Strike Team Leader, Andy Parker Wednesday, who said crews were doing well against the “Camp Fire.”
Crews worked a 24 hour shift, getting off this morning. They will rest for 24 hours and go back out on the fire line. The crews have been busy protecting structures, digging handline and assessing damage in Paradise, CA. They reported that between 80-90 percent of Paradise has been burned.
Parker described the landscape as “surreal”.
“Our strike team is made up of personnel and equipment from Yachats RFPD, Central OR Coast Fire Rescue District, Newport FD, Depoe Bay Fire Dist., North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Toledo Fire Dept., Polk County Fire District, and Dallas/SW Polk Fire,” Parker said. “It is truly a team effort we are putting forth to help the people of California.”
Currently, the “Camp Fire” is 130,000 acres and 35 percent contained. Approximately 6,500 structures have been lost and the death toll is up to 48.
There are still over 15,000 structures threatened and over 5,000 firefighters are assigned to this fire. Oregon has sent 15 strike teams totaling 280 firefighters and 45 engines.
