BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The Bakersfield Fire Department said farewell to several firefighters Tuesday as they departed for Monterey to assist during the winter weather season.
According to BFD, the department accepted an assignment to go to Monterey to provide assistance with the rain and the burn scars caused by the Dolan and River fires.
Officials said they are trying to prevent debris and mudflow issues.
"I'm very pleased with our response to this, we have had a really good deployment reaction from our off duty personnel taking the call and wanting to be part of it," said Deputy Cheif Bill Ballard. "As far as the time, it is hard to say if we actually have some debris flow. It could be up to a couple of weeks, however, if it is uneventful and the rain comes and passes it may be two or three days."
In total, 29 firefighters are heading south to help.
Ballard also said that BFD is doing well right now with the pandemic and they are in a good position to help. He said there will be no interruption in services while these people are gone each station will be staffed as normal.
