A Pasadena Fire Department battalion chief and captain arrived in Butte County Thursday to assist their counterparts in battling the 515,000-acre Dixie Fire burning through the Lassen National Forest, authorities said.
Battalion Chief Wendell Eaton and Captain Jason Hansen joined the effort as part of a strike team called up to help get the wildfire under control, according to Pasadena fire officials.
The firefighters had an eventful journey, as they witnessed a traffic collision and performed a rescue while en route, and also dealt with a flat tire, officials said.
The Dixie Fire broke out on July 13 and was 31% contained, authorities added. The cause remained under investigation.
The Dixie Fire is now the second-largest fire in California history. By some estimates it has burned an area larger than the city of Los Angeles, and destroyed at least 1,109 structures.
The Cal Fire Friday morning update estimated the fire size at 517,945 acres. A red flag warning of critical fire weather in the area was due to begin Friday afternoon.
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