Engine 51

Engine 51 is a type 3 wildland engine stationed out of Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. Their primary responsibilities include wildfire suppression in the park and surrounding areas, prescribed fire within the park, and national assignments. With three permanent positions and two seasonals, E 51 provides five day staffing during the summer months. E 51 also provides staffing for the parks only type 6 engine in Cedar Grove during times of high visitation/high fire danger.

When not directly involved with the parks fire management program E 51 assists other park divisions in scheduled and unscheduled activities. These activities can include traffic control, public relations/interpretative programs, hazard tree removal, infrastructure maintenance, and search and rescue.

Where is Engine 51 now?
Only permanent staff are currently working for Engine 51. Let's hope the seasonal staff has a great winter and we look forward to your return next spring.

 

 

Meet the Crew:

Captain Larry Smith:
Capt. Smith is a true parkie; having spent 20 years with the National Park Service. His travels have taken him to six different parks with varying responsibilities ranging from maintenance and interpretation to hazardous materials, law enforcement, and wildland fire. This is Capt. Smiths' 11th season as Captain 51. In addition to his wildland duties, Captain Smith serves on the Grant Grove structural company.

 

Fire Engine Operator (Engineer) Tom Stevens:
Engineer Stevens is relatively new to the National Park Service, having spent 2005-2009 with the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Fire Management Program in the Southeast. This is his third year in the park on E 51. His daily duties range from feed and care of the engine to command and control when Capt. Smith isn't available. In addition to his daily duties, Tom also serves on the Grant Grove structural company.

 

Assistant Fire Engine Operator (FEO) Matt Hundt:
FEO Hundt is no stranger to the National Park Service; however is his first year at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and his first permanent duty station. His primary responsibility is the operation and maintenance of E-51. Matt has a diverse background including time as a structural firefighter and EMT.

 

Firefighter Jose Aranzazu:
Jose comes to us from Tulare County, having spent the last four years working as a paid call firefighter. This is his first season with the National Park Service and E 51. Mr. Aranzazu is studying Construction Management at Fresno State University. Presently, Jose is a Firefighter Type 2.

 

Charles Ve'ave'a:
Charles comes to us from American Samoa. This is his second season in wildfire, and his second season at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.  When not working for E51, Charles works on the trails crew at The National Park of American Samoa. Charles is working on his Class A Sawyers task book.