Lufkin Sends Firefighters To Assist With Two Major Texas Wildfires

Five Lufkin firefighters are helping battle the devastating Ross Fire and Rio Escondido Fire, which continue to rage in ranch country between Fort Worth and Abilene. The Ross Fire has now affected more than 83,000 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties, and is only 12% contained. The Rio Escondido Fire has ravaged nearly 3,000 acres and is more than 80% contained.

How Will The Lufkin Firefighters Assist?

At the request of the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (ETMF), Chief Pickett and Firefighter Moody are lending their assistance and expertise as part of a Wildland Paramedic Unit. Captain Morris and Driver-Operator Byrum responded in an ambulance, while  Assistant Chief Watson is serving as an Ambulance Strike Team Leader. Lufkin currently has three firefighters halfway through a 14-day deployment. One team of Lufkin firefighters has already returned home after 14 days, while the others replaced them in a crew swap. This latest deployment brings the total to eight Lufkin firefighters on state assignment.

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Firefighters and paramedics from numerous cities and counties across the state are working on the fire at the request of ETMF and the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). Lufkin’s Fire Department is reimbursed through the state programs that requested their assistance. “Sharing of resources and manpower is important to the safety of our state and our own community,” Watson said. “We are proud to serve and care for fellow firefighters and residents in the communities being impacted by wildfire.”

Severe storms moved through parts of the Dallas area Wednesday afternoon; however, little to no rain fell in the areas affected by the wildfires. Rain chances are at less than 20% for this area through Thursday.