With the onset of the fire season that generally lasts from June
through October, the California Department of Forestry recently
moved back to its Hollister Airport base.
With the onset of the fire season that generally lasts from June through October, the California Department of Forestry recently moved back to its Hollister Airport base.
And with their arrival, the city – despite lease renewal negotiations that have, at times, been quarrelsome – is showing gratitude for the CDF’s local presence. The Council presented CDF Battalion Chief Paul Vlastelica with a certificate of appreciation at a recent meeting – an idea of Councilman Robert Scattini.
“The first reason why I suggested we give the award to them,” Scattini said, “I don’t think they have been treated very fairly from the city; not all the city staff, but some of them.”
Scattini did not single out specific staff members.
In March, the CDF signed a five-year extension on a lease that began in 1988 and was scheduled to expire in April. The CDF’s rent at the 2-acre base at the south end of the airport increased from $1,300 to $1,455 per month.
The CDF also aspires to build a larger 10-acre base at the west end of the airport. However, with the state’s fiscal troubles, the CDF was forced to temporarily put that idea on hold.
The CDF has expressed a strong desire to stay in Hollister. Vlastelica told the Council at the meeting he was grateful for the city’s certificate. Vlastelica is off-duty this week and could not be reached for further comment.
The CDF in Hollister currently employs five firefighters, two captains, three pilots, one mechanic and Vlastelica. Last year, the CDF’s two tankers flew 400 hours for firefighting, and its air attack unit flew about 200 hours. The local battalion was also instrumental in putting out the Croy Fire in September.
“We need them here. It’s very important for public safety,” Scattini said. “We should work with them and do everything possible to keep them here.”
