Safe in hands of firefighters

As fires burned in northern Los Angeles County two weeks ago, members

of the Huntington Beach Fire Department were there battling the

blazes with their fellow firefighters.

That might seem a bit far from home, but the Fire Department’s

efforts could pay off if things get bad in their backyard.

The firefighting work was part of a statewide agreement among fire

agencies to help one another in time of need.

It’s an agreement that should help us all sleep a little easier,

knowing we’re not only in the capable hands of our local firefighters

-- they’ve also got backup if they need it.

The fires in Topanga and Burbank were just the latest reminder

that we never know when a disaster may strike that requires us to

call for extra help. This weekend’s earthquake in Pakistan as well as

the two hurricanes in the Gulf Coast were even more horrific

reminders.

The firefighters from Huntington Beach were dispatched to the

Topanga fire Sept. 28. The city sent one engine, equipped with four

firefighters, as part of a five-engine strike team.

It was the 34th time in the past eight years that members of the

department had been called to help battle brush fires.

We can count ourselves lucky that we haven’t had to call on

others’ aid in like fashion. But it’s comforting to know it’s there

if we need it.

Thankfully, our firefighters returned home safely after taking

part in an effort that was nearly miraculous -- just three homes and

three commercials buildings were lost, even though the two fires

combined torched 35,000 acres.

Knowing we have such skilled professionals looking out for us is

perhaps the most comforting thing of all.