Tribal fire crews from across the U.S. mobilize to battle wildfires in Southern California, providing crucial support and resources.
Pasadena: Last week, wildfires raged through Southern California, and tribal fire departments from all over the western U.S. jumped into action. Eight tribes from California teamed up with Native firefighters from Oregon, Arizona, Washington, and Montana to tackle the flames.
Fire crews from tribes like Pechanga, Rincon, and Soboba worked together to contain the fires. They were joined by teams from the Yurok and Klamath tribes in Oregon, the Navajo Nation, and Montana’s Blackfeet Nation, according to reports.
The Pechanga Band of Indians stepped up big time, pledging $500,000 to help with the Palisades and Eaton fires. They split the funds between the American Red Cross and a partnership with the Los Angeles Rams Foundation to support various relief organizations.
On top of that, the Pechanga Fire Department, which has 30 members, got ahead of the Santa Ana winds by pre-positioning crews. They sent an engine and four firefighters to the scene starting January 7.
Fire Chief Mark Keeling emphasized that tribal fire departments are just as professional as any city or state fire department. He told NBC7 that they work hand in hand with local, state, and federal partners.
Tribal fire crews from across the West were on the ground battling the wildfires. The Yurok Tribe firefighters made a 16-hour trek south to help out, while the Tulalip Bay Fire Department sent a wildland team for an 18-day assignment.
When the Yurok crew arrived, things were chaotic. Their job was to patrol the area and prepare for another wind event. The Klamath Tribes of Oregon also sent a fire engine and crew to the Eaton Fire, which has burned over 10,500 acres.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians deployed their tactical water tender to the Eaton fire in Altadena, where the destruction has been severe, with over 1,900 structures lost and at least 11 lives taken.
While the fire crews were busy, tribal enterprises and organizations stepped up to help those affected. The Pechanga Resort Casino offered discounted stays for evacuees, and the United American Indian Involvement, Inc. turned its facility into an emergency shelter.
This shelter is providing temporary housing, meals, and medical assistance to both Native and non-Native individuals displaced by the fires. UAII is also distributing emergency supplies and offering mental health services through mobile clinics.
Tribal leaders are focused on supporting their communities during this crisis. Mark Macarro, tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band, expressed the heartbreak over the devastation and emphasized the importance of coming together to help those in need.
