Posted on 09/06/2011 11:30:01 PM PDT by dragnet2
California ready to help combat Texas fires
September 6, 2011
A state fire official told CalCoastNews today that California is ready to respond to a request from Texas authorities should it come as wildfires in the Lone Star State explode in dry, windy conditions.
Texas Forest Service officials are asking for help from firefighting agencies nationwide in the battle against a series of 181 raging blazes that already have killed four people including a mother and her 18-month-old child, consumed nearly 120,000 acres, gobbled up 700 homes, and show few signs of containment. Today is the 294th consecutive day of wildfires in Texas, according to officials. (CNN)
Texas has come to us as well, and we have given them a rundown of our equipment, Daniel Berland said, a spokesman for Cal Fire in Sacramento. At this time, we have not officially received a request from them, but we have talked to them about what we can provide, knowing that we, too, are in the middle of fire season, and have been busy this last couple of weeks, especially.
But if we do get a request, well be happy to help.
Authorities said more than 2,000 firefighters are on the job in Texas, but most are volunteers and exhaustion is becoming a major factor.
Recieve a request from who? Didn’t the feds just take over?
Since the article said they were waiting for an official request and indicated they had given, "Texas a rundown of our equipment" but, At this time, we have not officially received a request from them", I would guess they were referring to officials from the State of Texas.
Wow, I was just reading that online. It’s rather obscure too. Texas should ask, fews states have better fire equipment or more experience than we do, and our fires are not nearly as acute (yet) as their’s.
I don't think Texans are interested in Californians' "help".
Seems a bit odd.
I wonder if the hundreds being burned out would agree?
Especially since Perry is running for president; it seems like he would do everything to demonstrate the effectiveness of non-federal cooperation as well as innoculate himself against any criticism by pulling out all the stops. I’m not second guessing him, but it won’t be long before the criticism starts.
We're all Americans here. California has the best firefighting soldiers in America. And when fires break out here, we aren't embarrassed to ask for help from other states. If Texans are too proud to ask for help, then they have only themselves to blame when another 1000 homes go up in flames.
I may live in California, but I am a native Texan. They need help and California is ready to give it. Only a fool would say no.
...that’s rather silly.
BTW, I think the feds did that with the Bastrop County Fire, but there are hundreds of other fires, from what I understand.
Right now I am supporting Perry, but he needs to step up to the plate on this issue. If he refuses help, for whatever reason, then this could be disastrous to his candidacy. Do I need to mention Katrina? The press will kill him.
Excellent point..
“I don’t think Texans are interested in Californians’ “help”. “
I have seen plumes of smoke from my house for several days and two friends have lost their homes and the drought/fire situation is not going to get better anytime soon.
I thin the vast majority of Texans would appreciate California’s help.
Yes, we have a 747.
And in this case, their very well trained, experienced help, with the some of the best equipment.
I'm surprised a request did not come much sooner. I am even more surprised a request has yet to be made.
I may live in California, but I am a native Texan. They need help and California is ready to give it. Only a fool would say no.
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This morning (well yesterday now)Perry was on Fox and Friends and he had said California was sending a tanker[s?]. I had even thanked California on a thread yesterday morning after hearing that.
I wonder what the deal is....obviously Perry thought such as he stated it on F&F— California was going to be helping us. I was much relieved as I know Cali deals with wildfires just about more than any state and we could sure use the help.
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Didn't I just read on another thread the Feds came and kicked all the volunteers out? This is getting strange and confusing
Me too. Had that DC-10 go right overhead after dumping its Foscheck load; awesome sight.
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