HVNP Engine Crew Helps Plumas County, CA With Huge Dixie Fire

The Dixie Fire in Plumas County is now the 11th largest wildfire in California's history, with almost a quarter million acres burnt and only 35% containment. To assist with the huge fire many crews from around the country have flown into Northern California, including a crew from the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The engine crew helps protect Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and wildlands throughout the Pacific Islands, and are now assisting with mop up and thinning the parameters of bulldozer lines for fire containment. “I became a firefighter to try something different, and I liked the idea of a high-action job and a financially stable career. But now, it’s not about the action or the money. It’s about helping people and having a purpose in life.” Says Andrew Lee, the assistant crew boss, “We are a happy crew. We laugh a lot and sing. If you aren’t happy, you aren’t ready to work.” Having lived in Plumas County in areas that have been under threat, and now live in Hawaii, it's quite incredible to see the Ka Hae Hawaiʻi flag and the Kanaka Maoli flag being displayed in the forests I used to know all too well. "Thank you, mahalo iā ‘oe, for helping us out on the mainland." ~ U.S. Forest Service-Plumas National Forest.