Columbia Firefighters Return After Helping Battle Massive Texas Wildfire

Six Columbia Fire & Rescue firefighters have returned following a deployment to Texas, where they helped battle the Ross Fire as part of Tennessee Strike Team 1100.

According to the City of Columbia, Capt. Joey Norman, Capt. Jon Hardy, Capt. Will Craft, Firefighter Nicholas Weatherly, Firefighter Ethan Pitton and Firefighter Garrick Paley deployed August 30 through the Tennessee Emergency Mutual Aid Assistance Compact, known as T-MAC.

The Columbia crew took Engine 1 and Support 1 to Texas to assist communities affected by the wildfire. The Ross Fire grew to approximately 90,400 acres and was about 30% contained when the Columbia firefighters arrived. Containment had increased to 87% by the time they departed.

During the deployment, firefighters worked alongside emergency responders from Tennessee and Texas, often working 14- to 16-hour shifts in temperatures above 100 degrees.

Their work included protecting structures and property, patrolling fire lines for hot spots, coordinating with aerial firefighting resources and responding to additional fire activity threatening nearby communities.

The City of Columbia also recognized the Columbia Fire & Rescue personnel who remained at home to maintain emergency response and fire protection during the deployment.