On October 23rd, 2019, Sonoma County experienced the start of the Kincade Fire. By November 06, 2019, when the fire was considered extinguished, over 77,000 acres had been burned. During that time, over 350 structures were destroyed, another 60 were damaged and four people were injured.
During large incidents like this, California Fire Departments rely on the Master Mutual Aid System. On October 25th, 2019, Ceres Fire dispatched a Battalion Chief as the Strike Team Leader of XST 4202C at the request of Cal Fire. For twelve days, this strike team of five engines and a leader assisted with suppression efforts.
As a response, a group of affected teen artists from Bayart Academy in Sonoma County showed their appreciation by “creating a large painting portraying the way the firefighters saved the community.”
This group was able to produce replicas of the painting and send them to all 506 fire stations that sent personnel to assist. Here you can see a picture of the painting and a group of Ceres Firefighters standing next to Ceres Fire Engine 15.
Ceres Fire Department wishes Sonoma County a speedy recovery from this devastation.