A strike team from Marin County is on the front line protecting homes at the Ponderosa fire, which is burning east of Redding.
The 14 firefighters and five type-one fire engines formed a "Strike Team" led by Novato Division Chief Mark Heine, protecting structures and homes near Shingletown, about 30 miles east of Redding and about 215 miles north of Marin. The crew is comprised of firefighters from Mill Valley Fire, San Rafael Fire, Ross Valley Fire and Marin County Fire Departments. As part of the statewide mutual-aid system, firefighters from across the state assist during major fire events.