The possibility of catching or spreading COVID-19 adds new risk to firefighters — and poses threats to those seeking refuge in temporary shelter. 'They can't put as many firefighters next to each other on the fire line,' a wildfire expert says.
Noah Berger/APLightning strikes, extreme weather conditions, dangerous levels of smoke and ash, and a deadly pandemic are pushing firefighters and the communities they're trying to save into uncharted territory.
Christine McMorrow, a spokeswoman for Cal Fire, tells NPR there are several new protocols in place to prevent firefighters from getting sick. "We are also spreading out," she adds."Instead of being in a concentrated smaller space, we're taking up more space." The effects of early release prison programs that have been expedited by COVID-19 outbreaks are also evident at the dozens of wildfire sites.
On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that an additional 830 seasonal fighters have been hired in the past few weeks to offset the losses. More help is expected to arrive from Texas in the coming days.
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