SLO County firefighters, police rush to help with Thomas Fire response
As the 259,000-acre Thomas Fire, now the third largest wildfire in California history, continues to threaten areas of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, first responders from San Luis Obispo County are stepping up to help.
In response to a mutual aid request from the California Office of Emergency Services, at least 30 responders from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, as well as police from San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Paso Robles and Cuesta College, have joined the more than 8,300 emergency workers already fighting the fire.
The Atascadero Fire Department also has a contingent of firefighters on the scene.
After a 24 hour shift on the #Thomasfire, Atascadero firefighters remained on the fireline this morning to continue assisting firefighting efforts. Today's extreme wind event has increased fire conditions, causing additional evacuation orders. #atascaderofire #wildlandfire pic.twitter.com/sSwOKGGfP7
— Atascadero Fire (@ATAFireL3600) December 16, 2017
@SBCity calling for mutual aid. Sending four #slopd officers to assist with evacuations. Pray for safety for all. pic.twitter.com/YdCjgwOUmt
— Deanna Cantrell (@slopdchief) December 16, 2017
GBPD officers are heading to #ThomasFire in #santabarbaracounty as part of mutual aid for law enforcement Services. #BeSafe @CALFIRE_SLO @SLOSheriff pic.twitter.com/pxBBHuUKFe
— Grover Beach Police (@Grover_BeachPD) December 16, 2017
The fire has grown to 259,000 acres and has placed portions of Santa Barbara County under mandatory evacuation as winds picked up Saturday morning. A red flag warning is in effect through the weekend.
Andrew Sheeler: 805-781-7934, @andrewsheeler
This story was originally published December 16, 2017 at 1:16 PM with the headline "SLO County firefighters, police rush to help with Thomas Fire response."