The Pala Fire Department has mutual aid agreements with other nearby fire departments but never had a formal mutual aid agreement with the state Office of Emergency Services until July 20, when state and Tribal officials signed a document at the Pala fire station.The agreement allows for state reimbursement to the Tribe which finances the fire department and also provides a Type III brush engine for use by the reservation fire department. The agreement is the first between the state and any Indian tribe.“This is a momentous accomplishment for our tribe, our fire department and the entire community,” said Pala Tribal Chairman Robert Smith.“This is historic for all of California,” said OES Director Nancy Ward.“It’s historic, obviously, but it bolsters Pala’s par
