Published on September 17, 2024
HELENA, Mont. – The City of Helena Fire Department (HFD) has three firefighters on deployment in California to help support wildland fire efforts in the state. Captain Robbie Bennett, Captain Louis Menghini, and firefighter/paramedic Jeffrie O’Neill left on Monday (September 16) and will spend 14 days on deployment, plus several days traveling. The crew drove HFD’s Type 5 wildland engine.
HFD received the request for state-to-state mutual aid through the Federal Emergency Management Assistance Compact. HFD evaluates staff availability, current local fire conditions, and overall resources before accepting a deployment request. HFD is compensated for personnel costs and use of the vehicle. The experience that firefighters get on this type of deployment is also valuable for helping the department be prepared to fight wildland fires in Helena.