SCFD crew return from California

KELLOGG – “It was like a hurricane, but on fire.”  

This was how several people described the Palisades Fire to Chief Scott Dietrich.  

Dietrich is the chief at Shoshone County Fire District #2, one of many departments that answered the call earlier this month when several fires broke out around Los Angeles. When he received the email from the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association, requesting any help that could be spared, Dietrich asked his crew if anyone would be interested in a 20-day excursion to California.  

Captain Tyler Rotchford, Lieutenant Zeke Rindge, and firefighter Cayden Zimmerman jumped in one of SCFD2’s fire engines and, along with Dietrich, made the 20-hour trek to L.A.  

Once they arrived, they were tasked with tactical patrolling throughout the many neighborhoods devastated by the fires - Not exactly the work they had anticipated doing when they left Idaho.  

Rotchford explained how, upon their arrival, the bulk of the fire was out, and their primary job was to identify, locate, and manage hotspots so that things couldn’t reignite.  

Along with patrolling for hotspots, the crew assisted in clearing debris from roads, shutting off gas and water lines, as well as helping people return to their properties, and sifting through the remains of their homes.  

One family was desperately searching through the debris of their home, hoping to recover their grandmother’s Olympic medals. Unfortunately, they were unable to locate the medals but found the marble tiles they had been displayed on.  

This put into perspective just how hot the fires had been. 

“Those houses burned so fast and so hot,” Dietrich said. “If it could melt or combust, it was gone.”  

Coming across nothing but ruins and rows of standing chimneys became a common sight for the crews working throughout the area. 

“You know, we respond to calls at home where we see one or two houses burn down,” Dietrich said. “But down there we would drive for miles and miles and everything was destroyed. It was unreal.”  

More than 5,000 firefighters were assigned to the Palisades Fire. Including several from North Idaho. SCFD2 was part of a task force that included engines from the Paradise Valley FD, Selkirk FD, Timberlake FD, and Emmitt FD.  

“I’ve never seen that many fire resources in one location,” Dietrich said.  

Working with so many different agencies and people presented a unique opportunity for everyone involved – One that was equal parts challenging and rewarding. 

“We’re getting paired with other departments and apparatus that we don’t ever work with,” Rotchford said. “And then you have to go and complete tasks with a group that has never worked together before.”  

“But it was great to have the opportunity to work with guys from Washington, Oregon, and all over,” Rindge said.  

Despite all the challenges, the SCFD guys were willing to sign up for another hitch down there if they were needed.  

“That’s why we’re all here,” Rotchford said. “We were excited to go.”  

While the expectations and subsequent reality of what they would be doing during their time in Los Angeles didn't align, the impact their efforts had on the people they interacted with made every second worth it. 

“It wasn’t the most exciting work, but we did good work while we were down there,” Dietrich said. “We couldn’t do much for the people, but they were so thankful for the help and support.”  

    During their time assisting with the Palisades Fire, the crew from Shoshone County conducted several tactical patrols where they located and extinguished hotspots that had been identified in the aftermath of the blaze.