Praise for ARES response to California's Zaca fire

Amateur Radio and particularly the Amateur Radio Emergency Service units involved with California's giant Zaca wildfire near have drawn the praise of the Santa Barbara County's fire department.

Speaking at an August 1st Town Hall meeting of the fire-fighting Unified Command, Fire Department Public Information Officer Eli Eskow heaped praise on the radio hams who were out there backing up his firefighting teams:

"There's one group I forgot to mention and thank personally. The Amateur Radio Emergency Services group has worked with us forever (applause) forever!! And on this event, this fire I have asked them many, many requests and chores. They've jumped at every opportunity to help us. They've carried mail. They have most importantly thrown their bodies in front of the public to stop them from going through closed roads, putting themselves in danger. They've been great. Anytime we've asked them anything, they jump at any opportunity to help us..."

Some area 300 residents facing the possibility of evacuation attended the meeting. Among those present representing ham radio were Santa Barbara District Emergency Coordinator Dennis Daniel, KM6DF, and Will Tefft, KG6DHK, who serves as Santa Barbara South County Emergency Coordinator.

Since that meeting the Zaca fire has intensified. As this report is being written flames are less than two miles from a road that runs parallel to the Santa Ynez River.

ARES volunteers continue to be active with communications support.

Source: ARNewsline, N6ZKJ