Utah firefighters have returned home after a grueling 25 days in California.
The firefighters from multiple agencies were sent to help battle various wildfires around the state.
They were initially scheduled for 14 days, but their time there was extended for an extra week – plus a total of four days spent traveling there and back.
"People of California were so friendly, so generous and so supportive, and I really appreciate their gratitude,” Utah County Fire Capt. Joey Wilkinson said.
Some are still on their way back or are going through brief "rehab" and "demobilization."
Our crew’s 14 day mission to fight fires in Northern California has come to an end. Their last shift consisted of holding the fire line and protecting mountain cabins.
— WVC Fire Department (@wvcfd) September 6, 2020
Please join us in wishing this brave crew safe travels as they come back home to WVC! pic.twitter.com/X7Q0aBM8eu
It's common for Utah’s firefighters to be sent over state lines.
Saturday morning, another group of firefighters from Utah County went to Montana to help fight a large wildfire near Bozeman.
Utah County Handcrew 2 is headed to Bozeman Montana this morning with twenty two firefighters. Join us later this morning as the Engine Crews arrive #ucfd #utahcountyfiredepartment #handcrewlife #wildfires #firefighters #utahcountysheriffsoffice pic.twitter.com/pvUlXw8IEr
— Utah County Fire (@UtahCountyFD) September 5, 2020
Utah County Fire Department Handcrew made it to Bozeman. Ready for the Line pic.twitter.com/0zNCLfFtLT
— Utah County Fire (@UtahCountyFD) September 5, 2020
They say there is a possibility they could be sent somewhere else before the end of the year.
