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More than 70 Mexican firefighters received training Sunday to prepare for the front lines of the Palisades fire, which has destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least eight people.
Firefighters arrived at Los Angeles International Airport yesterday and trained this morning at the March Air Reserve in Riverside.
“They finished a lesson on the safety aspects of wildland firefighting and came out here today to practice reserving shelter in case they get caught in a fire and to get a good idea of what their last resort is to survive. We understand, and it will happen,” Cal Fire spokesman Curtis Rose said.
The group includes federal fire teams and members of the Mexican military.
“When they’re operating over there, they’re two separate teams, but here they’ll be working together as one team. All 73 people will pair up as a hand crew, and some of our counterparts will work together as one team. We will work together as a team to build the handline in the Palisades,” Rose said.
The Palisades Fire is one of two major fires in Los Angeles, burning more than 23,000 acres as of Sunday.
“It’s very important to have the cooperation of our neighbors. We have firefighters here not only from Mexico but also from Canada today,” Rose said.
States sending firefighters to Southern California include Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana.
Juan Tapia Benitez, who will lead the team, said he has worked as a firefighter in Mexico for 11 years.
“All these types of incidents require preparation. We have been preparing for years,” Benitez said.
Benitez said he feels honored to be able to help his brothers and sisters in Los Angeles.
“The federal governments of Mexico and the United States have worked together, so we are very keen to help them. We have a history of participation. We come every year when they need us. We are here to support them,” Benitez said.
The Mexican team is scheduled to travel to Pacific Palisades on Monday morning.
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