Fresno County firefighters among thousands fighting the Detwiler Fire

Firefighters from cities throughout the central San Joaquin Valley are among the 3,384 people fighting the Detwiler Fire in Mariposa County, accoring to Cal Fire.

Fresno Cal Fire has sent 30 firefighters, six engines, two bulldozers, two water tenders and numerous other personnel, said Fresno Cal Fire Capt. Paul Pumarejo. Despite the amount of resources, he said it’s not affecting operations in Fresno County. “We have sufficient resources,” he said. “We have backup from other areas of the state, five engines from out of the area.”

Crews are still in Mariposa County and plan to be there for at least several days, Pumarejo said.

In Clovis, 10 personnel were sent, including strike team leaders and a field observer, according to the Clovis Fire Department. In comparison, only 3 crew members were sent to the Garza Fire that began July 9 near Avenal.

Visalia, Selma and Sanger have also sent firefighters into Mariposa County, including a medic from Sanger, said the Sanger Fire Department.

On Friday, a fire captain from Selma was injured after his fire truck rolled down an embankment. The Selma Fire Department identified him as Capt. Jeremy Owens. He was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released, the department said.

In total, 478 fire engines, 68 crews, 87 bulldozers and 61 water tenders are being used in the Detwiler Fire. Helicopters and air tankers are also aiding to fight the 74,083-acre blaze.

This story was originally published July 21, 2017 at 4:13 PM with the headline "Fresno County firefighters among thousands fighting the Detwiler Fire."