At 15:10 hrs on Wednesday February 16th, 2022 Sierra County Sheriffs Dispatch received a 911 call for a fire at the Pasquetti Ranch in Sierraville. Sierra County Fire Protection District No. 1 was toned out to mitigate the blaze. Sierra County FPD Engine 282 was en route within a minute of the tones (one of the volunteer firefighters had seen the smoke and alerted others), and was on scene shortly thereafter. They encountered heavy fire coming from the west side of the shop, and immediately went to work stretching a line. Mutual aid was requested by Chief Connolly based on the size up by USFS Battalion 61 (who was on scene a couple minuets after E282).
Mutual aid was provided by the USFS as well as Loyalton FD. In the end: 5 engines, 4 Chief Officers, 3 Water Tenders and 2 Patrols (SCFPD E282 and WT82 from Sierraville, E84 from Calpine and WT83 from Sattley; USFS E361, E371, Patrol 61, Patrol 62, Battalion 61 and Battalion 71; Loyalton FD E15, C1 and WT1) 28 fire fighters in total responded. With the initial help of local residents, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from destroying any additional buildings that were adjacent to the building of origin. This is a testament to the dedication of both our local Volunteers and Forest Service Firefighters, who often train together. As well as the locals, many who have previous firefighting experience, who all pulled together to battle the fire.
One civilian was assessed for exposure to smoke by an Eastern Plumas Ambulance, one firefighter suffered minor burns due to the intense radiant heat, and another a sprained knee while responding to the call. In addition to the contents of the barn a tractor was destroyed in the fire. Over 40,000 gallons of water, combined with class A foam were used to control the blaze and get it under control.
A heartfelt thanks to Los Dos Amigos for suppling burritos to all of the hungry firefighters, some of who where on scene well into the night mopping up and dealing with frozen hose.
Chief Connolly
Sierra County FPD No.1
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