The tragic southern California wildfires just became close and personal because two Horseshoe Bay firefighters have joined the battle to save lives and property.
Lt. Jason Blackmon and Engineer Jonathan Morrison joined two other central Texas firefighters, one from Marble Falls and the other from Pflugerville. Driving a fire engine from the Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department, they have deployed for up to 21 days.
HSB Fire Chief Doug Fowler explained that this deployment is the result of participation in the Texas Intrastate Mutual Aid System, which was unanimously adopted by the HSB city council in the December council meeting. At that meeting, Fowler talked about the steps HSB homeowners can take to make their homes safer from the threat of wildfires. Little did he or the Council know that only days later the worst wildfire in US history would break out.
Fowler grew up and played baseball in southern California, where the fires are currently burning uncontained. As he describes the southern California urban development in a rural setting, “It is not that unlike Horseshoe Bay.”
HSB City Manager Jeff Koska agreed, “Only by the grace of God has the Hill Country escaped a similar situation. We should be vigilant and doing what we can to be in front of this type of issue for our own environment.”
Mayor Elsie Thurman confirmed that the city council listened carefully and agreed with Fowler’s request to meet the high standards of participation in the intrastate program. “In a sense this decision was a no brainer,” said Thurman. “No cost to the city to participate. We get reimbursed for replacement of the deployed firefighters.”
Mayor Thurman spoke for all concerned, “We are so fortunate to have talented professional people that we can send to relieve exhausted fire fighters.”
“We are blessed to be able to assist in this critical situation with our fire fighters. It is a testament to our community’s commitment to public service wherever needed,” added.
The mayor, fire chief and city manager reiterated that participation in this program benefits the city, as well as providing emergency help for neighboring communities or states. According to Fowler, “Our firefighters gain valuable experience they bring home to better secure and protect our community.”
On Monday morning, Fowler received a photograph confirming that the firefighters from HSB, Marble Falls and Pflugerville reached their destination. “Our personnel will be assigned to an area in Malibu for quick response to any fires that occur. In that role they could easily be diverted to emergency evacuation and/or structure protection,” he explained.
One day later, on Tuesday morning, Fowler reported, “I am concerned that today could be a bad day. When high winds occur, a quick and effective fire attack is paramount to preventing a tragedy. If the fire grows beyond the capabilities of the initial response, it is possible that the mission could change to emergency evacuation.”
Koska spoke for the HSB community, “We pray for those that are in the fire’s path for safety, and we pray for our firefighters for their safety.”
