Fire crews nationwide and internationally are heading to Los Angeles to boost fire response after four days of devastating fires in the Southern California city.
Washington state is working with local fire departments to send nine task forces, made up of 45 engines, 11 trucks and 146 personnel.
Locally, South Whatcom Fire Authority sent four firefighters to LA on Friday, Jan. 10. The crew, along with a structural fire engine, left around 4:30 a.m. and will be part of a regional strike team.
The crew could be gone for up to 18 days.
“They do not know their assignment yet, but they are cross-qualified and equipped for both wildland and structural firefighting,” SWFA said in a statement.
Since Tuesday, more than 150,000 people have been evacuated from around Los Angeles as multiple fires raged. Nine thousand structures have been destroyed or damaged.
Roughly 56 square miles have been consumed by the Pacific Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Sunset Fire and Kenneth Fire, according to the Associated Press. At least 10 people have died but officials expect that number to grow.
The dry Santa Ana winds have also contributed to the blazes.
“I have been in touch with Governor Newsom and have assured him that Washington stands ready to do whatever we can to assist in this crisis,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Washington’s fire crews are some of the best around, and I have no doubt their expertise and tireless efforts will make a real difference in the lives of those affected.”
The Pacific Palisades Fire is already the most destructive in LA history, according to AP. Damages are estimated to be around $135-$150 billion.
Crews from Idaho, Nevada and Oregon are headed to California, along with fire personnel from New Mexico and Utah. More than 7,500 California firefighting and emergency personnel have been deployed to protect communities, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
