Thank you cards pour in to Cal Fire amid deadly, grueling wildfire season
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTVU) - It has been a pretty grueling season for firefighters across California, and the busy and life threatening work carried out by California's fire crews is not going unnoticed.
On Tuesday, Cal Fire tweeted out a sweet photo of a pile of handwritten cards from children across the state, expressing their gratitude to the firefighters putting their lives on the line to protect the public.
And in turn Cal Fire officials expressed their appreciation for the touching gesture.
"We would like to thank all the children that have found time, during the rush of back to school activities, to make these thoughtful cards showing their support for our firefighters," the agency wrote in its tweet. "CAL FIRE appreciates your kind words and beautiful artwork!"
"Firefighters love seeing that stuff," Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff told KTVU, noting that many people want to donate items to Cal Fire but as a public agency it can't accept donations.
So the banners, the notes, the signs on properties and hillsides-- all of the varying expressions of gratitude go a long way, reminding those on the fire-lines that their work is appreciated, according to Tolmachoff.
At its peak this summer, Cal Fire says it was battling 18 wildfires raging across the state. The enormous scope of fires resulted in resources being stretched and prompted assistance from crews around the country and those half a world away, including Australia.
It was also a deadly season for firefighters. Cal Fire says it lost six of their own as well as five civilians.