The firefighter’s gears including double layer clothing along with equipment that weighs on average 40 to 50 pounds according to Nick Cleary, Zaca Fire Information Officer and Assistant Strike Team Leader John Stipes a 16-year firefighter from Santa Cruz County. When adding the additional clothing, gear and equipment with hiking up steep terrain, you can only image how the heat of the day intensifies on them. Then, if you will, imagine approaching the fire itself. The heat is enormous.

These men and women work in 24-hour shifts, 24 on and 24 off. However, if other fires start in the meantime, they will assist the second the call sounds such as they did with the spot fire that started off of Hwy 101 near Los Alamos on Wednesday July 11.

Most of the men and women have been brought in from fire departments throughout the state of California through the “Exchange Program.” A Base Camp has been set up for them near Lake Cachuma and the El Rancho Golf Course. The camp has quite literally been developed into a miniature town complete with a makeshift kitchen, tents and an outside cafeteria. 

Fighting the Zaca Fire includes approximately 100 different agencies according to Cleary and Stipes. From various different fire stations across the state, to fire fighting helicopters to contractors who set up showers, bathroom facilities and, believe it or not, sink stands with running water.

In addition to the contract companies they are thankful to the California Department of Corrections (CDC) for their part in helping fight the Zaca Fire. The CDC allows non-violent, non-dangerous volunteer inmates to assist by digging lines, preparing food and doing maintenance around the camp.

“We’re glad for the CDC people here; they definitely do a good job.” Said Stipes

With at least 14 injuries by the eighth day, the biggest concern has been heat stroke and heat exhaustion says Officer Cleary and Strike Team Leader Assistant Stipes. So far the injuries have been minor; however, with the majority being due to heat exhaustion.

To help avoid being overcome by heat the fighters are drinking plenty of water, “Even if you are not hungry or thirsty, you drink it,“ said Cleary.

“When you wake up in the morning, you start drinking water, and you drink it all day long. Staying hydrated is the biggest challenge.” He said adding, “Also, don’t push your crews too much; you really want to pay attention to that.”

Asked how the community can help support the firefighters, Cleary said the best way would be to continue putting up the signs of appreciation along the roads.  “It really does help.” He said.

Donated food cannot be brought into the camp and the firefighters are being provided MRE’s (meals ready to eat) in a sack lunch during their 24 hour shift on the fire lines.

However, community members have been making donations to various stores in the Valley such as the Los Olivos Country Store in an effort to provide food for the firefighters when they are out and about, away from the base camp.

From taxing equipment up steep terrain, to fighting the fire on the front lines, to setting up a miniature city, it is clear that there are many intricate details that go into fighting a fire as large as the Zaca Fire.