Support shown for fire crews
by Lenny Roberts

The price tag for fighting the Wolf Fire has surpassed $14 million, according to the latest estimate, and the 21,465-acre fire should be contained today.
While the Wolf Fire, in its 14th day, continues to scorch Ojai's backcountry, local residents have been warming the hearts of the firefighters in a different way.
In one effort, students of Topa Topa Elementary School presented posters and 600 pounds of watermelon to firefighters at their Soule Park base camp. Each student raised $2 for the watermelons in an effort led by the school's second grade moms.
Food for the mind was provided by staff from the Ojai Library. They have been delivering reading materials to help the firefighters relax and prepare for their next shift.
Crews, who put in 12- to 15-hour shifts, are being housed in tents in Soule Park in Ojai. Library staff from the other Ventura County libraries have also sent books and magazines to the Ojai Library to be delivered to the fire crews.
"The donated paperback books and magazines have been well-received," said a library representative, "and staff have been pleased to know that they are able to help those who have been working so hard to protect our mountains."
Medical aid is often needed by the hard-working crews, said Mike Ellingson, public relations adviser for Ojai Valley Community Hospital. "Several of the firefighters coming back into their camp at Soule Park are experiencing dehydration problems," he said.
"We started a program last night of sending a doctor, along with necessary fluid supplements, over to the camp each night to help those individuals in need of fluid intake," Ellingson said. "The team arrives around 6 p.m. each night."
In a sight for the fire crews' sore eyes, newly crowned beauties Miss Ojai Cassie Murphy, Miss Teen Ojai Brittany Daly and Miss Pre-Teen Ojai Jackie VanEtten presented them with a banner made by local schoolkids.
These gestures, along with the other efforts, including free massages, smoothies and message buttons, have gone a long way to reviving the morale at the fire camp. "No serious injuries occurred on this large incident, which is quite remarkable," wrote Wolf Fire Incident Commander Aaron Gelobter in a letter of appreciation. "We feel your efforts and extended kindness helped us achieve this success."

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

Back to the news