South San Francisco, CA September15, 2015 Submitted by Leslie Arroyo City of South San Francisco 
Additional fire personnel assigned remain as single resources on fires in the West
Battalion Chief Steve Cardosi and three other members of the South San Francisco fire department returned home late this morning after serving as part of a five-engine strike team to the Butte Fire in Calavaras County. South San Francisco Fire joined with the strike team leader and other units from North County Fire Authority to form the five-engine strike team.
“To give you an idea of the magnitude of the Butte fire, the size of this fire could have burned down the entire area of South San Francisco, and that doesn’t even come close to the size of fire we were dealing with in Calavaras County,” said Battalion Chief Steve Cardosi.
Cardosi was one of two Strike Team Leaders that was assigned to the fire last Friday, September 11th. In addition to Cardosi, Captain John Grimaldi, Fire Apparatus Engineer Eric Haslam and Paramedic Firefighter Giuliano Lavezzo were part of the 15-member strike team. Their team was responsible for participating in the structural defense efforts in the community of Sheep Ranch, Calif.
“They did a fantastic job providing excellent service to the communities in which we drove through and worked with,” said Cardosi.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 4,865 fire workers remain on the scene where the fire is 45 percent contained. More than 71,780 acres have burned, 10,000 people are displaced and there are two confirmed deaths.
In addition to the Butte Fire, South San Francisco Fire Chief, Gerry Kohlmann, says they also have personnel assigned as “single resources” on other fires. Kohlmann says there is a Fire Line Emergency Medical Technician at the Butte Fire, a Fire Line Paramedic at the Rough Fire in Fresno County near Kings Canyon and a Medical Unit Leader at the North Star Fire in the upper northeast portion of Washington State.
Chief Kohlmann says South San Francisco participates in the California Fire Assistance Agreement, as do other agencies in San Mateo County. “We send resources out to remain active participants in this reciprocal agreement that assures us we will also receive assistance in our time of need.” Kohlmann also says one of the benefits to participating in this is his firefighters gain valuable experience operating in complex environments and within a fully developed Incident Command System organization. “This translates into practical experience for incidents that may occur in South San Francisco, whether it is a large fire, a flood, or an earthquake,” continued Kohlmann.
“It’s important that we band together and help out the state and local communities during this time of need,” said Cardosi. “The reality is we’re not immune to needing help at some time either.”
###
Earlier today Everything South City shared the following on our Facebook Page:
This is an incredible video from CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo Fire Department working to protect a house in the #ButteFire where some of our #SSFFD have been working. While yesterdays rain helped in some areas, the #ButteFire has taken 70,760 acres & is 49% contained & the #ValleyFire burned 73,70 acres & is only 35% contained per #CalFire update today.
The #RoughFire, under U.S. Forest Service – Sierra National Forest has burned 141,036 Acres and is reported to be 67% contained with mandatory evacs lifted yesterday.
Seeing this video shows only a small portion of what our FF & responders are up against in battling these Ca #Wildfires – we keep them in our thoughts – stay safe!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ThBAcgGuK0
For more updates on the wildfires in California CLICK HERE