Two Canyon Lake firefighters with Comal County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 3 are on their way to California where they will join other firefighters battling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
They’re part of a strike team that includes firefighters from the Boerne, New Braunfels, Bexar ESD No. 2, Bexar ESD No. 6, Schertz and Pharr fire departments.
Canyon Lake Fire Chief Robert Mikkel said his department is part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) and Canyon Lake firefighters have been deployed throughout the state many times in the past to fight wildfires.
Today, they’re driving a dedicated TIFMAS fire engine used for deployments. Texas’ response is overseen by the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) and TIFMAS.
“One of the biggest advantages to participating in such programs is that our firefighters get real life experience battling large wildfires and in other jurisdictions and it makes them that much better prepared for fires in our area,” Mikkel said.
On Facebook Saturday, Canyon Lake Fire/EMS thanked its first responders and their families for their service and sacrifice and asked the public to “please keep them in their thoughts and prayers for a safe and successful mission.”
In a press release Saturday, Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas is sending more than 135 firefighters, emergency-management and medical personnel to California along with 45 fire engines, ambulances, command vehicles and equipment.
