New Mexico Governor Richardson Announces Return of Second California Fire Strike Team

October 31, 2007 -- (Santa Fe, NM) – The second fire fighter strike team sent from New Mexico to assist with the fires scorching southern California is scheduled to return to the state tomorrow, Thursday, November 1, Governor Bill Richardson announced today.

The returning strike team is made up of five fire engines and 16 fire fighters from the Albuquerque and San Juan County Fire Departments. The crews were assigned to the Witch Fire, which burned 197,000 acres in and around the San Diego area and is now 99% contained. Full containment is expected later today, according to California Fire officials.

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"Our crews have years of experience fighting fires that take place on land bordering suburbs and cities like they saw in California," said Governor Bill Richardson. "Now as they return home, the experience they’ve gained this last week will help them better protect their homes in their own communities."

In total, 58 New Mexican firefighters and 15 fire engines were sent to California to fight the recent outbreak of wildfires. Five engines and 16 fire fighters still remain in California.

The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management continues to coordinate the state’s participation in the California wildfire deployment and monitor the need for additional resources as necessary. DHSEM has been working closely with New Mexico State Forestry and the Southwest Coordination Center for team assembly and coordination.

Source: New Mexico Governor