EPHRATA-- Capt. Alan Hansen, Capt Mike Stump and Firefighters Nathan McDonnell and JJ Heston are on their way to answer California's call for more resources.  The firefighters along with Engine 1311 were mobilized to California today.  They are part of a Grant County Strike team consisting of Ephrata Fire Dept, Moses Lake Fire Dept and Grant County Fire Districts 3, 5 and 10.  California has been devastated by over 15 wildfires which are burning over 414,000 acres stretching from San Diego to Malibu.  The fires are burning aggressively due to high winds, low relative humidity and plenty of fuel.  The fires have caused over 1 billion dollars in damage so far to residences and commercial buildings.  Many of the fires are still threatening structures and crews have very little containment on them. 

As of 1900 hours today the Grant County Strike Team including Engine 1311 is on their way to Chino California.  There they will receive their assignment and head out on the fire lines.  Many of the fires are now federally funded by FEMA as the California Governor has declared a state of emergency.  Engine 1311 was received through a FEMA grant and will now help to assist FEMA in getting control of the California fires. On the decision to send Dist. 13's newest engine to California Grant County Fire District 13 Commissioner Chair Allen Sieverkropp noted, "Our district has benefited greatly from having this FEMA funded engine and our other past FEMA grants.  That is part of the reason why we are sending engine 1311."