MVFD Sends Help To Northern California

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

The Moapa Valley Fire District (MVFD) recently sent firefighting assistance to California to assist in fighting wildland fires currently raging in almost full force. This assistance was in the form of one MVFD vehicle and two firefighters.

On Monday, August 9, MVFD Firefighters Tim Debardinis and Allen Haskell departed the valley in the Moapa Department 72 water tender vehicle. Their destination was set for the Monument Fire near Redding, California.

“Both Debardinis and Haskell volunteered to go and give aid to the fight,” said MVFD Chief Stephen Neel. “They were both very excited and willing to go.”

Neel explained that the water tender vehicle they took has the capacity of holding 4,000 gallons of water. This was sent as a support role in helping with water and fire retardant.

Tim Debardinis is the District’s Wildland Coordinator and has gone on multiple assistance trips to give aid for fighting wildland fires. Allen Haskell is going for the first time being a firefighter for the district 3-4 years.

“Helping out and giving support to other agencies, including in other states is part of our strategic plan,” said Neel. “The wildland fire crew is minimal and resources as well as personnel are very limited.”

In return for providing this assistance, the MVFD expects to receive approximately $25,000-$30,000 in funding. The money received will be of huge advantage to the district in providing better service, better training, better equipment, and more, Neal said.

The Monument Fire is in the Trinity National Forest, about 70 miles west of Redding. As of Monday morning, the Monument Fire had ranged over about 97,287 acres and only about 10% contained. The fire was started on July 30 by a lightning strike. Ten communities and their surrounding areas are under evacuation order due to the blaze.

DeBerardinis and Haskell will be working there for 16 days at about 16 hours per day. They are primarily busy in laying fire retardant and water, helping keep roads clear for access to emergency vehicles and keeping the nearby communities protected. After the 16 days, they will return to Moapa Valley for a mandatory break of two days.

“It is so outstanding of these two firefighters,” said Neel. “They are working hazardous conditions, rugged terrain, long physically draining days, and with the heat and stress. They help put MVFD on the map.”

Debardinis has been a firefighter for over 30 years with a family of kids who are now adults. Allen Haskell is a volunteer firefighter and has a wife with two kids.