First responders from Imperial County and Yuma help fight West Fire in San Diego

First responders from both the Imperial County and Yuma answered the calls to assist San Diego County in the on going fire disaster. Fire fighters and volunteers from the American Red Cross made the effort to help relieve the West Fire that had already burned over 500 acres in San Diego. Thousands of residents were evacuated and over 30 homes were destroyed. Seeing so many people from the region aiding the fight against the fire, shows the eagerness to saving lives.

“Cause it shows a willingness from the people of different agencies. Not just the Imperial County but all the agencies that assisted on this incident. That we are willing to go beyond the borders of our communities to assist somebody else,” said Juan Rodelo, Imperial County Fire Battalion Chief.

One official from the American Red Cross says, volunteers are important to reaching disasters in a timely manner. Emily Cox, American Red Cross Communication Director said, “Our volunteers are so important for us to be able to respond to different instances quickly. Whether they happen in Imperial or San Diego County. And we appreciate all of our volunteers that step in at such short notice regardless of where the instances occur.”

Having strong relationships with neighboring counties are vital for working together.
Rodelo said, “It is important to have those relationships in place. Withing the mutual aid plans that we have throughout the state. And whenever we overwhelm a community, obviously we can make that call and bring resources from outside to assist to mitigate the problem.”

As of today, only 92% of the West Fire has been contained.