Coachella Valley fire crews help fight Fairview Fire

Fire Departments throughout the Coachella Valley are providing aid to crews in Hemet fighting the Fairview fire.

You can read the latest on the Fairview Fire here.

Here in the Coachella Valley, both Cathedral City and Palm Springs Fire Departments are assisting crews in Hemet battling the Fairview Fire.

Fire Capt. Nathan Gunkle with the Palm Springs Fire Department says, "We have sent one fire engine out there to assist on the fire lines and then we have two overhead safety positions that we've also filled for them.” 

Those overhead command roles are key in communicating the rapid changes to those battling the flames on the front lines.

Fire Chief, John Muhr with Cathedral City Fire Department says, "The department participates in mutual aid throughout the state, as part of that we sent one of our engines to Hemet two days ago.” 

On the front lines, teams are ready for the rain and winds headed our way in coming day from Hurricane Kay.

"We constantly battle the changes of wind and weather. In the case of the hurricane you know that could really disrupt. Hopefully there's water with it, and we get some rain but along with that comes the heavy winds," says Fire Chief John Muhr.

Capt. Nathan Gunkle says his department can help other crews because they train year round.

"Whether it be a structure fire, vegetation, fire or rescue, we're kind of ready for everything. So we wear a lot of different hats and we're kind of always prepared so it's not like, now we need to get ready," shares Gunkle.

Fire Chief John Muhr asks residents to also stay ready, "You know when the firefighters tell you to or the police department tells you to move on. You know, try and heed their warnings early. That saves us a lot of grief in the end."