Firefighters in Los Angeles County have been working tirelessly to battle wildfires, carrying up to 100 pounds of gear since responding to the Pacific Palisades Fire on Tuesday morning. According to a spokesperson for the California Professional Firefighters union, these brave individuals have been facing intense brush and structure fires amidst hurricane-force winds, often without proper breathing apparatus or masks, for extended periods.
The union, representing 35,000 firefighters and emergency medical service personnel statewide, highlighted the physical toll on firefighters who are required to carry heavy equipment during long shifts. Structural firefighting gear can weigh up to 100 pounds, while wildland gear can add an additional 80 pounds, further challenging their endurance.
Each firefighter is trained to handle both structural and wildland fires, equipped with the necessary gear to perform their duties effectively. Many of these dedicated professionals had already been working for 40 to 48 hours before being deployed to the initial fire, and they could remain on duty for up to 24 to 48 hours until additional crews arrive to relieve them.
DeeDee Garcia, the union spokesperson, emphasized the hazardous conditions faced by firefighters, including exposure to extremely toxic smoke from burning structures and vehicles. She noted that while some firefighters are battling blazes in their hometowns, others have been deployed from different counties and are away from their families for weeks at a time.
