Even as it faces one of the most aggressive management attacks, Vallejo Firefighters Local 1186 has been able to count on united and active labor support. This week, Local 1186 was recognized for its part in creating that steadfast labor unity, winning the California Labor Federation's award for Outstanding Volunteer Mobilization.
The future of a critical source of support for fallen firefighters and their families was assured with the signing of CPF-supported legislation, AB 1812. Authored by Assemblyman Juan Arambula (D - Fresno), AB 1812 extends the California Fire Foundation's Memorial Tax Check-Off to 2016.
As weather on the front lines continues to assist the firefighting effort, the sobering toll of the 2008 Firestorm is, in one area, without precedent. According to CAL FIRE, the month-long siege of fires has swallowed up nearly 850,000 acres, surpassing the 2003 Southern California Firestorm, which officially consumed about 650,000 acres. All but 80 of the more than 2,000 fires have been contained.
A break in the scorching heat and low humidity in Northern California has allowed firefighters to get an upper hand on the firestorm that has gripped it for the last month. Nearly 85% of all of the state's fires have been contained, tthe same rain that helped with the firefighting effort also created flash flooding in areas damaged by fires in 2007.
For the residents of Paradise, east of Chico, July 11th looked almost exactly like June 11th -- fire raging on their doorstep, smoke darkening the skies, and first responders urging them to evacuate. As the Siege of 2008 enters its second month, crews from throughout California and the nation continue to battle the elements and fatigue to protect our state.
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