As wildfires ravage the western United States and Canada, some fire departments near San Francisco are teaming up to share staff to bolster their collective defenses during a historically severe season. Authorities say the northern California scheme -- which includes the city of Palo Alto, Los Altos County and Santa Clara County -- helps first responders adapt to new wildfire patterns, so they can attack blazes in their early stages. Fire Station 8 in Los Altos is fully staffed for the first time in many summers thanks to the new arrangement, with staffing possible for 24 hours a day because of live-in facilities at the station. “One of the best ways to stop a fire that's already started is to stop it when it's small,” says Justin Stockman of Santa Clara County Fire Department. “And having more resources closer to where fires might start is the best chance we have.” IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES