In a staggering display of heroism, firefighters from across Southern California rushed to aid during the Hughes Fire, which erupted Wednesday morning in Castaic and swiftly burned over 10,000 acres in less than 24 hours. The situation required an unprecedented effort, with unified command posts at institutions like College of the Canyons becoming hubs of activity and resource distribution.
Chris Cordova, manager at Scofield Catering & Management, shared how his team provided meals to over 1,500 first responders during the fire season typically running from May to November. Due to the state of emergency declared in California, his crew additionally assisted in supporting firefighters at the Eaton Fire before moving on to aid in Castaic.
Cordova emphasized the importance of cooking skills in providing nourishment to those in dire need, explaining how he and his team have been inspired by COVID-19 to give back. He highlighted that feeding first responders goes beyond meals—it offers a sense of security during challenging times.
Meanwhile, Capt. Sheila Kelliher Berkoh reported on the significant efforts made in containing the fire. The fire fought valiantly with air support, dozers, and ground crews, working against harsh weather and challenging terrain. Berkoh praised the effectiveness of air resources, noting that winds played a crucial role in reducing fire spread.
As containment reached 24% by Thursday morning, the focus remains on recovery efforts and restoring normalcy for affected communities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared as they support first responders during this critical period.
This brush fire underscores the resilience of Southern California’s firefighters and their commitment to protecting communities in the face of natural disasters.
Source: https://signalscv.com/2025/01/unified-command-post-at-coc-a-hub-for-first-responders