As reported by the University of California, the UC Davis Fire Department and School of Veterinary Medicine’s California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET) are actively involved in fighting the massive Park Fire, which had consumed 429,263 acres across four Northern California counties as of August 14, 2024.
The fire, which began near Chico, has been attributed to arson by Cal Fire.
Initially, UC Davis firefighters responded to the Gold Complex Fire but were reassigned to the Park Fire.
The Park Fire, which remains only 40% contained, has destroyed at least 20 structures.
UC Davis Fire Department teams have cycled through deployments, with fresh crews continuing their efforts.
After completing their 14-day deployment at the Park Fire, Capt.
Paul Rush, Engineer Ryan Tooley, and Firefighters Chris Hay and Cara Martinez returned to campus.
A new team, including Capt. Kyle Dubs and Firefighters Gerrit Dykzeul, Emmet King, and Shawna Mayo, resumed the effort.
According to UC Davis Fire Chief Nate Trauernicht, the department remains committed to supporting the firefighting efforts as long as needed.
Simultaneously, the California Veterinary Emergency Team, led by UC Davis, has been on-site, providing medical care to evacuated animals.
Over two weeks, the team treated 100 small animals and 64 large animals.
Seven CVET staff members and 32 volunteers from various veterinary organizations supported this effort.
As the situation improves, CVET is gradually reducing its presence.
William Burke, CVET’s associate director of planning, stated: “Advanced planning has begun to look at downscaling, demobilization, and transfer of veterinary care to local resources in the near future.”
The Park Fire, now covering over 429,000 acres, remains a major threat to communities in Northern California, prompting evacuations in Butte and Tehama counties.
Although 38% contained, the fire has affected Lassen National Forest and continues to threaten multiple structures.
Cal Fire emphasized that firefighters are facing challenging conditions but remain optimistic about incremental improvements in weather conditions, which may aid containment efforts.
The UC Davis Fire Department and California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET) have been actively involved in responding to the Park Fire, which has burned 429,263 acres across Northern California counties.
The fire, started by arson near Chico, is 40% contained as of August 14, 2024.
UC Davis firefighters initially deployed to the Gold Complex Fire were reassigned to the Park Fire.
The CVET team treated animals in evacuation shelters, with efforts gradually winding down as the situation improves.
Evacuations remain in effect for several counties, and firefighting efforts continue.
