A firefighter from the Puget Sound area was injured while helping fight the raging wildfires in Southern California Thursday morning.
The firefighter with South Kitsap Fire & Rescue was one of the department's team members working the Woolsey Fire in Malibu when he was struck by a civilian car.
He was flown by helicopter to a local hospital with members of his team, officials said. The extent of his injuries was not given, but he was expected to survive. "Our focus at this time is on the firefighter, his family, our fire district and our community," South Kitsap Fire & Rescue officials said.
The firefighters was assigned to Washington Task Force 2, which has been taken out of service and is getting rest. Crews aren't sure yet if they will return to the fire or be sent home.
Fire Chief Steve Wright was able to speak briefly with the firefighter after he was stabilized and said it was great to hear his voice and know he is okay.