Texas firefighters helping battle California wildfires

HOUSTON — Texas firefighters have joined scores of other fire departments to try to get California’s wildfires under control. Houston, Conroe, Neeham fire departments and multiple more made the trip. 

Crews from TIFMAS, the Texas Interstate Fire Marshall Aid System, have joined the force battling the fire.

“We’re Americans. We want to take care of each other. So, as firefighters we go wherever the need is and wherever we are requested,” said Montgomery County Needham Fire Service Chief William Dicker.

Dispatched by TIFMAS, Montgomery County Needham Fire service now has nearly two dozen firefighters on the ground. They work 24-hour shifts, wherever necessary. It’s a familiar fight, as Texas has had its share of fires to fight.

“It is a completely different animal or different ball game now. When we start getting into the wild land and urban interface side of things,” said Dicker.

The city of Conroe also dispatched a team. Recently arriving they too are going where they are needed. And with thousands of scorched acres, they have long days ahead, preparing for a two-week deployment.

“Between the wind and the landscape does put some different complexities to it.,” said Paul Sims with Conroe Fire Department. “But our guys have a required amount of training.”