Related: One Killed in Firefighting Helicopter Crash
Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Sacramento -- On Wednesday at about 3 p.m., a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) Strike Team of five fire engines from the Nevada-Yuba-Placer CDF Unit was involved in structure protection on the "Pechanga Fire" located approximately five miles east of Temecula in Riverside County.
CDF Engine 2382 from the Loma Rica Station located in Yuba County was over-run by fire when a significant increase in fire intensity occurred as the result of a storm cell passing through the area.
The four firefighters that were injured are:
- Fire Apparatus Engineer Andrew Schneller: Suffered 2nd-degree burns to his face, back, wrist and legs. He has been upgraded to "Good Condition" and will be hospitalized for about five days.
- Firefighter Jeremy Damon: Suffered 2nd-degree burns to his face, back and arms. He has been upgraded to "Good Condition" and will be hospitalized for about two days.
- Firefighter Ehron Phillips: Suffered 2nd-degree burns to his nose and face. He has been upgraded to "Fair Condition" and will be hospitalized one more day.
- Firefighter Chris Hayden suffered 2nd-degree burns to his arms and face. He has been upgraded to "Fair Condition" and will be hospitalized one more day.
All four are in good spirits and want their fellow firefighters to know that they are all right.
Their fire engine suffered "Moderate Damage" but appears to be operable after some minor repairs.
A multi-agency investigation team has been assigned.
The firefighters families have been notified and the CDF is making arrangements to escort family members to the Medical Center as soon as possible.
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