First responders in Imperial County bring aid to California wildfires

Communities in Ventura County have been displaced as the Woolsey fire continues to spread already destroying nearly 500 homes and burning almost 100,000 acres.

First responders from Imperial County brought aid to the Woolsey fire that has been engulfing Ventura county.

A strike team of 22 local firefighters and two volunteers from the American Red Cross in the Imperial Valley lent a helping hand.

When speaking about the strike team, Imperial County Fire Department Battalion Chief Angel Morales said, ” We make sure that our people are ready to go as far as supplies, clothing, food and also the physical abilities.”

Firefighters have faced challenges battling the inferno.

“Right now they are doing some structure protection. I know there’s a lot of terrains that they cannot access other than by foot,” Morales added.

There’s been open communication between firefighters and the American Red Cross.

Jose Ortega, the American Red Cross Disaster Program manager, said, “They come into our shelter they provide us with information. They’re giving us with the map, they’re showing us details. How far the fire is. How containment is going. Their plans, their tactics.”

Displaced families are being re-connected.

“We’re having them sign up in a safe and well being. So that they themselves can say that they’re fine,” said Ortega.

The Imperial County strike team is currently on their way home after battling the blazes while the American Red Cross volunteers are still helping victims.

According to CAL FIRE, so far the Woolsey Fire is 57 percent contained.