LUFKIN, Texas (KLTV) – The Lufkin Fire Department deployed five firefighters to north-central Texas Tuesday to assist in firefighting efforts in Palo Pinto and Jack counties.
The Texas Emergency Medical Task Force requested the aid for the growing Ross and Rio Escondido fires, which have burned more than 800,000 acres combined, according to reports.
A battalion chief and firefighter left as part of the wildland paramedic unit, and a captain and driver-operator responded in an ambulance, with an assistant fire chief acting as ambulance strike team leader, according to a press release.
The wildland paramedic unit provides medical assistance to firefighters battling the fires, according to a press release.
Overall, eight firefighters have deployed to assist in firefighting operations on state assignment, according to the release.
State programs will reimburse the department for its assistance, Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Watson said Wednesday.
“Sharing of resources and manpower is important to the safety of our state and our own community,” Watson said in a statement. “We are proud to serve and care for fellow firefighters and residents in the communities being impacted by wildfire.”
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