Firefighters From San Angelo to Help Battle California Wildfire

SAN ANGELO, TX — Four San Angelo firefighters have departed to assist with battling a massive wildfire in California.

San Angelo's Stephen Montgomery, Chris Ochoa, John Huddleson and Santos Chavez are teaming up with firefighters from Odessa and Travis County. Montgomery will be the engine boss for the San Angelo crew, while Chavez will be the engine boss for the Travis County crew.

They are part of a larger contingent of over 100 firefighters from Texas, including emergency management personnel, more than 25 fire engines, command vehicles, and other equipment.

The deployment comes following a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas A&M Forest Service are coordinating with CAL Fire and the California Office of Emergency Services to provide critical support.

As of Monday, the Park Fire has scorched over 400,000 acres, surpassing the area of Los Angeles. 

The fire, which started near Chico, California, has rapidly grown due to dry conditions and winds, prompting widespread evacuations and massive firefighting efforts. 

The blaze now covers more than 562 square miles, making it the fifth-largest in California’s history.

The fire was reported to have started July 24, resulted in evacuation orders for over 4,000 residents, and destroyed at least 134 structures. 

Currently, more than 2,400 firefighting personnel are involved in containment efforts, but the fire remains 0% contained.

Authorities arrested 42-year-old Ronnie Dean Stout II on suspicion of arson. Stout allegedly started the fire by pushing a burning car into a gully. He is being held without bail and is scheduled for arraignment.