Mason County firefighters make progress in California

Mason County firefighters helping with the Los Angeles area fires continue to work long days and have remained safe so far, according to recent Facebook posts from Central Mason Fire & EMS.

CMFE sent an engine Jan. 9 with three firefighters from CMFE and one crew member from North Mason Regional Fire Authority.

Firefighter and EMT Beau Ward, Capt. Mark Frazier and Lt. Brandon Heggie are the crew from Central Mason Fire, and firefighter and paramedic Kyle Severance is from North Mason Fire, CMFE Chief Jeff Snyder said.

The Mason County team was initially sent to the Palisades Fire, according to CMFE.

Firefighters posted dramatic photos of a helicopter dropping water on the fire and a plane dropping retardant on the CMFE Facebook page Jan. 12.

"The crews are assigned to structure protection on the Palisades Fire. They are staying safe and working long hours along other agencies from across several states," CMFE said.

The crews had a celebrity encounter a few days later, meeting actor Sean Penn.

"Our Central Mason crew and the Region 6 strike team met Sean Penn today. He is helping with relief efforts for the California wildfires. Our crews have been working long shifts, helping with structure protection and other life saving duties on the Palisades Fire in southern California," a Jan. 14 post states.

North Mason Fire also mentioned Penn in a post on their Facebook page.

"While on assignment, crews have spotted several high-profile celebrities showing their support. Today, they had a special visit from Sean Penn and volunteers from CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort). CORE has been providing hygiene kits and essential items to those impacted by these devastating wildfires, and Sean shared his heartfelt gratitude with our team for their service," according to the post.

"But we might be a little biased when we say the real celebrity is back at base camp: Pegasus, the therapy dog! Kyle shared, 'It's tough work seeing all of the devastation, but coming back to base and having a dog so excited to see you is sure to put a smile on all our faces,' " the post states.

On Jan. 17, the crew was moved to the initial attack unit for Topanga Canyon, the CMFE page states.

Severance said Jan. 19 that crews were preparing "for a significant wind event" that could see gusts up to 100 mph, according to a NMRFA Facebook post.

"Kyle also noted that if no new large fires ignite during the wind event, crews could begin preparations to return home after their 14-day deployment," the post states.