Chelan firefighters aboard Engine #79 are on their way home today. They came off the California wildfire line Thursday night.
Capt. Taylor Rains says they will begin the demobilization process today before their expected 18-hour, 1,176 mile return trip home.
Depending on how long the demobilization process takes, Capt. Rains and firefighters Stephanie Preheim, Brandon Fogelson and Duke Odenrider expect to return home either late Saturday or mid-day Sunday.
Friday marked the end of the last 24-hour shift for Chelan firefighters on the Southern California wildfires.
“Being there for the people is the most important,” said Chelan Fire Capt. Taylor Rains, who with three other Chelan firefighters were on the Southern California wildfire lines for 15 days.
"I got a once in a lifetime experience," Rains said in reflecting on working with other firefighters on wildland firefighting. "To see the immense destruction and how intense that is in person. It's been a very unique experience."
"In our off time we get to talk and intermingle with a lot of other fire departments," Rains added. "It's a great bonding experience with firefighters from all over the country."
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