The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians signed an agreement to provide firefighting services in the Los Padres National Forest in California.

The joint protection agreement with the U.S. Forest Service covers wildland fire prevention, detection and suppression efforts. It's the first arrangement of its kind for the tribe's fire department, which began in 2004 and boast seven members, four of whom are Chumash.

The tribe hopes to expand coverage by signing a similar agreement with Santa Barbara County.

Get the Story:
Chumash fire dept. takes a big step (The Santa Maria Times 6/24)