Heroes you can count on

As fires burned in northern Los Angeles County two weeks ago, members

of the Newport Beach and Costa Mesa fire departments were there

battling the blazes with their fellow firefighters.

That might seem a bit far from home, but the fire departments’

efforts could pay off if things get bad in their backyards.

The firefighting work was part of a statewide agreement among fire

agencies to help one another in times of need. It’s an agreement that

should help us all sleep a little easier, knowing we’re not only in

the capable hands of our local firefighters but also that they’ve got

back-up if need be.

The fires in Topanga and Burbank were just the latest reminder

that we never know when a disaster may strike that requires us to

call for extra help. This weekend’s earthquake across the globe in

Pakistan as well as the two hurricanes in the Gulf Coast were even

more horrific reminders.

Eight firefighters from Newport-Mesa were dispatched to the

Topanga fire as part of a five-engine strike team. Once that fire

settled down a bit, they were transferred to the Burbank fire.

We can count ourselves lucky that in recent years we haven’t had

to call on others’ aid in like fashion. But it’s comforting to know

it’s there if we need it.