Another group of Utah firefighters deployed to help with massive Dixie Fire

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — More than a dozen Utah firefighters are answering the call to assist in the Dixie Fire in California – the single-largest fire in the state’s history.

Nineteen experienced firefighters from Utah left for California Thursday afternoon. The group will meet up with members who were previously deployed.

They’re taking on a monumental task to help those already on the ground.

Raging for about six weeks now – the Dixie fire has consumed 735,000 acres in California and is only 45% contained.

Some 700 homes were among nearly 1,300 buildings that have been destroyed.

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“Think about the size of that fire. It’s as big as the largest fire Utah ever had,” said Joe Dougherty, spokesperson for the Utah Department of Public Safety.

Utah is sending more help.

Crews from Draper, Murray, Park City, North Fork (Sundance) and the Unified Fire Authority set out Thursday from the Maverik Center.

“This is now Utah’s sixth deployment for wildfires this year from other states. Most of them have gone to California, but we did send a group to Montana,” said Dougherty.

This task force will deploy for 16 days.

“In this case, we’re just glad we have some crews available that can go and give some assistance,” said Dougherty.

Much needed help that comes with much sacrifice.

“Sometimes they miss birthdays, and they miss those first parts of the beginning of school, things like that,” said Dougherty. “The most important thing is that everyone gets there safely and comes home safely.”

A group deployed to the Dixie Fire a couple of weeks ago arrives home Thursday, and a strike team will return this weekend.