Orange County Releases Fire Shelter Deployment Report

November 8, 2007 -- The Orange County Fire Authority has released a preliminary report on its fire shelter deployment during the recent southern California wildfires. Twelve Orange County, CA Local 3631 fire fighters were ordered to deploy their shelters while fighting a wildland fire near Santiago Canyon and Silverado Canyon when one of two hose teams lost water because of ruptured hose lines. The twelve fire fighters remained in communications from inside their shelters as the Orange County Fire Authority made several high-priority water drops on the approaching fire. Once conditions were cool enough, all 12 fire fighters left their shelters and were evaluated onsite. None of the fire fighters required medical treatment. "The heroic actions by these fire fighters to save people and property under such severe fire conditions are awe-inspiring," says Joe Kerr, president of Local 3631. "I am also extremely proud of the quick response by the crews who came in to save them, including the air crew." Click here to watch a slide show with radio communications during the incident.