Two Polk County Fire Rescue members are heading west to help battle a massive wildfire that has burned tens of thousands of acres in Texas.
Captain Matt Bailey and Firefighter/EMT Damian Smith have been deployed with a brush truck to assist crews fighting the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County, Texas. The wildfire has burned approximately 93,000 acres.
Bailey and Smith are representing both Polk County Fire Rescue and the state of Florida through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which allows states to provide resources and personnel during emergencies and disasters.
Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith praised the firefighters for stepping forward to assist crews more than 1,000 miles from home.
“Bailey and Smith have stepped up to answer the call – taking time away from their families, coworkers and normal duties,” Chief Smith said. “Their willingness to deploy to another state demonstrates the professionalism, bravery and commitment that define our organization.” The two firefighters deployed Friday and are expected to spend up to two weeks in Texas before returning to Polk County.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
