Firefighters return from Detwiler Fire

Yuma Fire Department’s firefighters, deployed to help with California wildfires, have returned home.

They were notified late Tuesday that they were being demobilized Wednesday morning, and began the process that ended with them beginning their trip back to Yuma. They arrived back in Yuma late Wednesday evening.

Yuma’s firefighters, working as a part of an Imperial Valley Task Force, first left for assignment to the “Detwiler Fire” on Wednesday July 19. The fire is burning in an area of Mariposa County, northeast of Merced, CA. (nearly 600 miles from Yuma).

YFD firefighters worked 24 hour shifts protecting homes and dealing with spot fires in their assigned areas. Their duties involved significant amounts of hiking in varying terrain. Our firefighters were part of an effort involving nearly 5000 fire personnel, at last count.

All YFD personnel are returning back to their regular duty assignments. Those who were deployed from our department were Fire Captain Rob Welch, Fire Engineer Don Walton, Firefighter Alex Diaz, and Firefighter John Anderson. We are glad to have them back and congratulate them on a job well done!

YFD said their thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Fire Service personnel, their families, and others affected by this season’s wildfires.