The Los Angeles Fire Department issued a request late Tuesday for all off-duty members to report their availability as they combat the Palisades fire, highlighting the urgent need for additional firefighters to tackle the dynamic blaze. This move, described as a 'recall operation' by department spokesperson, Margaret Stewart, marks a rare occurrence within the department.
Stewart, with nearly two decades of experience at the Los Angeles Fire Department, mentioned that this was the first time she had been involved in such an operation. She emphasized the infrequency of such recalls, stating, 'It's not something that we have to do very often.'
The purpose of the recall was to ensure adequate staffing levels for the LAFD throughout Tuesday night. Apart from utilizing their own personnel, the city also received support through traditional mutual aid, a process where the state collaborates with various agencies to dispatch firefighting resources as needed.
