Applications Open for LAFD Wildland Hand Crews
The Los Angeles Fire Department is seeking applicants Wednesday for its wildland hand crews, which play a vital role in wildfire management and fire suppression efforts in difficult terrain.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who represents the Seventh District, recently secured funding allowing LAFD to recruit for the positions. Rodriguez's district, which includes northeast San Fernando Valley neighborhoods, in recent years experienced large-scale wildfires such as the Sayre, La Tuna Canyon, Creek and Saddle Ridge fires.
"I am proud to have secured this crucial funding for the Los Angeles Fire Department to hire wildland hand crews," Rodriguez said in a statement. "These crews are an integral component to complete public safety toolkit and introduce proactive measures to creating defensible space for communities, in high fire severity zones found in the foothill communities of Council District 7 and other hillside areas throughout Los Angeles."
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley added that the crews play an "essential role" in protecting communities, and will further support the department's efforts in managing and controlling wildland fires.
