YFD personnel returns to Yuma after battling Park Fire
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Four Yuma Fire Department (YFD) firefighters and an engine returned to Yuma on Monday.
In a press release, they returned from California after the state's authorities issued a mutual aid request for a Strike Team deployment to battle the Park Fire last month.
YFD says the four firefighters who were a part of the Strike Team were the following:
- Captain Ryan Johnson
- Engineer David Beltran
- Firefighter Jeff Endres
- Firefighter Noe Bermudez
The team, along with a fire engine, were sent to the fire near Chico, California as part of a strike team to help stop the fire.
"It was an absolute honor and a privilege for us to go there and for Yuma to partake in this event," said Captain Ryan Johnson.
The firefighters were in charge of multiple assignments such as water supply, structure protection, and rescue operations.
Captain Johnson shares how it felt fighting such a big fire so far away from home.
"I felt honored being called to the park fire to provide our assistance we train day in and day out to be prepared for emergencies such as this," said Captain Johnson.
YFD explains how they prepare their firefighters for conditions they may face in other areas.
"Every member who wants to deploy on strike team has to do an additional test which is a what we call the Pack Test and that's three miles in 45 minutes with a 40-pound weight vest on their back," said David Padilla from YFD
Captain Johnson shares what it feels like to be back home with his family after missing some milestones, such as his son’s first day of kindergarten or his other son's fifth birthday.
"Unfortunately, we do have to give up some of these sacrifices, yet it's a privilege to to provide that, I'm super excited to be home. It's great to be home I miss my family," Johnson expressed.
However, Captain Johnson says he had great support from his in-laws, friends, and fire personnel as well.
The fire is almost 40% contained and has burned almost 430,000 acres. Â
The last time YFD deployed a strike team was in July of last year.
YFD also says the team had "multiple assignments as part of the response to the Park Fire."
