Two Buckfield firefighters are among 20 Mainers deployed to help combat the raging blazes.
BUCKFIELD, Maine — Southern California is reeling from a devastating week as wildfires continue to scorch the region. Three separate fires have burned nearly 40,000 acres, destroyed homes and businesses, and forced thousands to evacuate. With two of the fires still less than 50 percent contained, strong Santa Ana winds are complicating efforts for exhausted firefighting crews.
To help lighten the load, 20 Maine firefighters are on their way to California, including two from the Buckfield Fire Department.
Cameron Hinkley, Buckfield’s town manager, wasn’t surprised to learn Rescue Captain Tucker Tardif and Private Jacob Kateley were among the Maine firefighters answering the call.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from Tucker,” Hinkley said, adding that Tardif has extensive experience and qualifications, especially in handling forest fires.
Tardif is no stranger to wildfire efforts in the West, having responded to similar emergencies several …