Local Firefighters Return From Battling Post Fire

Pasadena firefighters have returned home from the Post Fire, according to Fire Chief Chad Augustin.

The fire has continued to burn near Gorman west of the 5 Freeway near Pyramid Lake, scorching more than 15,500 acres as firefighters battle to contain it.

Several local firefighters were dispatched to the area to help combat the blaze.

“Pasadena Fire has supported the Post Fire with eight personnel. All members have returned in the past few days,” Austin told Pasadena Now on Wednesday. “That fire has over 90% containment with all evacuations lifted.”

According to media reports, more than 900 firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

Augustin recently flew over the Aero Fire in Calaveras County and saw firsthand the battle to keep the fire away from homes.

“I had the opportunity to fly over the fire last weekend,” Augustin told Pasadena Now. “The fire burned dangerously close to many homes. The assigned fire personnel did great work protecting homes. It was really impressive to see from the air.”

The other major fire, the Fresno June Lightning Complex has burned just 7,000 acres and is only 15% contained.

“This fire season has been busy and much earlier than expected,” Augustin said, “With the large rain totals, fuels are very high. Thankfully, fuel moistures are still relatively high. Traditionally, this limits fire starts and spread. As the fuels dry out, we are ripe for a long summer. Add in 100-degree heat with strong winds and you have a potential disaster waiting. To date, California has had just over 2600 wildfires with over 100,000 acres burned.”

“Your Pasadena Fire Department stands ready this summer to support the State with mutual aid resources when the requests come in.”