Santa Maria Fire Department assisting with Pond Fire and Apple Fire

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Santa Maria Fire Department is one of more than a dozen agencies on hand to help with several fires including the Pond Fire and the Apple Fire this week.

The Santa Maria Fire Department is teaming up with firefighters from across the state to help fight fires throughout the region.

"Currently we have eight people out we have four people at the bonfire and four people at the Apple fire. They can be gone for two weeks so people that respond have to be available for 14 days assignment," said Anthony Clayburg with the Santa Maria Fire Department.

The department also helped at the Pond Fire near Creston.

"We have crews on every part of this fire right now establishing control lines," said Adan Orozco with Cal Fire San Luis Obispo County Fire.

As the Apple Fire in Riverside County shows no signs of slowing down Santa Maria Fire crews are expecting to be on the front line for a while.

"We’re probably considering this a 14-day fire. It’s really rugged country and you know it’s gonna be a while before they get a real big handle on it," said Clayburg.

While Santa Maria fire crews continue to help with fires outside the city, they’re also handling all their normal emergencies here in Santa Maria.

"Absolutely, all our stations are still staffed and ready to respond to our normal call volume," said Clayburg.

Working several fires at the same time can put a strain on some firefighters.

"But that’s part of what we do as firefighters, and we know that that’s the expectation. We’re going to be here to serve the public and answer calls as necessary," said Clayburg.

Those affected by the fire like Brook Terry who nearly lost his home in the Pond Fire is grateful to all the firefighters. "We are fantastically grateful to the firefighters, they’ve done a great job of saving our property,"