Inmate Firefighters Burned Over by California Wildland Fire

A crew of inmate firefighters had to deploy their fire shelters when a California wildfire burned over them earlier this week.

The burnover occurred in El Dorado County on Monday, according to the local CBS affiliate (http://cbsloc.al/ZuXZQx).

The crew of 13 men was on the active fire line when, according to fire officials, the fire shifted direction. None of the firefighters were injured, however a bulldozer and other equipment were damaged.

Firefighters have dumped thousands of gallons of water and retardant on the King Fire, which is burning east of Sacramento. The out-of-control wildfire has forced thousands of people from their homes, according to news reports. There are at least 10 wildland fires burning across the state, which is in its third year of drought.

Last year, 19 firefighters battling the Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona were killed when they were overtaken by flames.

 

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