SFD Deploys to California

Tour Commander, 509.625.7100

Monday, October 28, 2019 at 12:24 p.m.

The Spokane Fire Department is answering an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request for assistance to the State of California. I received the request last night from the State of Washington and subsequently authorized three Type 5/6 Engines, a Strike-Team Leader and, additional firefighters to staff the 14-day mission. Our Tour Commander filled the request last night with off-duty personnel that are qualified wildland firefighters and available for deployment. 

Through the EMAC process, the State of California will reimburse the SFD for the personnel and equipment costs associated with this mission, as well as the replacement personnel costs needed to cover the firefighters' absence in Spokane Fire Stations.

Only three of the SFD's nine Type 5/6 engines are being deployed and the City will be well-covered during this assignment. SFD's wildland fire apparatus are maintained continuously in a state of readiness for deployments throughout the year. We utilize them in the off-season for responding to wind events or substantial snowfall where the agility and traction allow them to traverse streets and areas where traditional fire engines cannot.