Supporting Fire Operations
Vista Corpsmember Brett Gill files paperwork inside the supply unit tent at the U.S. Forest Service’s base camp for the Gifford Fire in Santa Maria, CA.
Every task is important on a wildland firefighting base camp, like the one in Santa Maria supporting the Gifford Fire.
Sure, the fire crews on the front line get the glory—and understandably so.
The young adults of the California Conservation Corps, though, keep the camp in constant motion.
Keeping Crews Going
Corpsmembers support fire crews by working in the fire camp’s refrigeration unit where they distribute supplies like line lunches, water, electrolyte drinks, and ice.
Putting in 16-hour days at the supply, refrigeration, and facilities units, Corpsmembers know there’s always something to do and keep busy.
Being a part of the bigger picture, makes those long days for Vista and Los Padres Corpsmembers make it worth it.
Since the fire’s start, approximately 17 CCC crews have been dispatched to support camp operations for both the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE at two separate camps.
The Forest Service response is setup in Santa Maria, while CAL FIRE is in Santa Margarita.
