Cal OES enlists the aid of the military to help combat wildfires throughout the state. The first all-hazards fire engine strike team – known as Team Blaze – operated by a state military department has been created. Strike Teams will consist of a 4-person crew, with wildland-style fire engines which complement the Military Department’s existing Task Force Rattlesnake hand crew program that is made up of Soldiers and Airmen. Since the start of operations in 2019, Task Force Rattlesnake has cut, cleared, and treated at-risk wildfire project areas in central and northern parts of California. These engines add to the already robust California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System fleet of more than 270 fire engines across 60 local partners statewide that can respond to incidents of all types. This new strike team will enhance these mutual aid fleet efforts.
Photo: Cal OES Website
