Local firefighters battle blaze in Santa Barbara

More than a dozen firefighters from Costa Mesa and Newport Beach have been called up to help their fellow firefighters battle the blaze in Santa Barbara County that has scorched more than 3,500 acres so far.

Two fire engines from Costa Mesa with eight men and one engine with four firefighters, a battalion chief and another man from Newport Beach were part of two strike teams sent up to the Jesusita Fire, which started Monday.

The men are part of a strike team — typically a team of up to four or five engines and a battalion chief – sent to assist in a wildfire and given a specific mission. Newport-Mesa’s firefighters have either been assigned to structure protection — protecting homes and buildings — or are on reserve, waiting to be called when needed.

Fire departments statewide participate in what’s called “mutual aid” when one department needs assistance. As resources stretch thin, the idea is to constantly have other departments backing you up so no one is left short-handed.

— Joseph Serna