WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. — Local firefighters are back from battling some of the most destructive wildland fires in California history.
By one estimate, more than 12,000 homes, businesses, schools, houses of worship and other structures were destroyed in the wildland fires that hit Southern California nearly three weeks ago.
Now Washington fire crews who traveled to California are sharing the impact of being up close.
The amount of destruction was a surprise even to seasoned firefighters.
They say it truly was. They had never seen so many homes that were burned to the ground. And they talk about the thanks from those they went there to help.
“It was very destructive,” said Ken Lindenstein. “It was hard to be there at first just seeing the destruction.”
It was a sight that startled even these seasoned firefighters.
“And then just driving down major streets like Sunset Boulevard,” he said, “and everything being just destroyed.”
Ken Lindenstein and Kolton Kellison were among four Central Whidbey firefighters who journeyed to the Golden State to help battle the deadly and destructive fires.
“Most of the ones that we have been on previous are in Eastern Washington or Southern Oregon where you have a large open area or forest,” said Kellison. “Where now we’re moving into an urban area and just the changes and tactics with that.”
You’ve seen houses burn to the ground before? Chloe Kristen was asked. “I have,” she acknowledged, “but seeing that many, it was, it was a lot.”
Chloe Eriksen is just 21, but this was her fifth wildland fire deployment since joining North Whidbey Fire 17 months ago, joining the fire service of this state’s Department of Natural Resources just last April.
“It was kinda hard to see at first,” said Eriksen. “All the houses that burnt down. It was sad, at the end, seeing people coming back to see their homes. I can’t even imagine.”
There was deep gratitude, too.
“We’ve had a lot of people offer us water,” Eriksen said, “Gatorade, food.”
And since it was L.A., some of those offering such kindnesses are rich and well known.
“They lost their houses,” said Kellison, “but they’re taking the time to stop and thank us for everything we’re doing which was a pretty cool experience.”
They say they got an equally enthusiastic reception here on Whidbey Island for their service.
You might be wondering how Chloe got the firefighting bug. She says she wasn’t sure what she would do until a crew from North Whidbey Fire went to her grandfather’s house and worked hard to save his life. He did not make it. But she joined North Whidbey Fire in August 2023.
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