Over 120 Fresno County firefighters helping battle the 'Gann Fire'

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As more than 3,100 Cal Fire personnel fight the "Gann Fire" in Calaveras County, over 120 firefighters from Fresno County are doing their part.

"Cutting handlines to putting in a hose lay or mopping up around the perimeter," said Cal Fire and Fresno County Fire Captain Gary Couch, detailing some of what the department's Strike teams are working on.

Couch says his department's crews deployed a few days ago, after the wildfire that started Monday exploded to nearly 6,500 acres within the first 24 hours.

As of Friday morning, the fire has burned nearly 10,400 acres and is 40% contained, with evacuation orders in place across much of the area.

In addition to those duties being carried out by five different Strike teams out of the Fresno-Kings unit, local officials have sent several specialists to help manage operations.

They say that much-needed support comes amid relentless high temperatures covering much of California.

The heat is not just posing challenges for firefighters. It's also worsening air quality all the way down to the Central Valley.

"Not only do those particles take the place of the oxygen, but that soot and ash are also toxic. And when they get into the lungs, not only do we have other symptoms, they damage the lining of the bronchial tubes and the respiratory system," said Dr. A.M. Aminian, the Medical Director at the Allergy Institute.

Despite those impacts, experts say there are things that can be done to reduce the effect.

For sensitive groups living in Central California, doctors recommend staying inside or wearing a mask.

If you suffer from certain respiratory health conditions, make sure you're always carrying your inhaler or other medication.

And as some Fresno County firefighters return from battling blazes out of state...

Officials say they have rotating deployment with rest and recovery schedules in place.

"We did send a strike team for about 16 days. They went up to Oregon, and they just got back a few days ago. Which, when they got back, they went home for R&R for 48 hours," said Couch.

Couch also says that none of the firefighters who were in Oregon are fighting the "Gann Fire".

The crews that are in Calaveras County right now could be there for up to three weeks, depending on the need.