Resources from Arizona arrive to help battle raging California wildfires
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Multiple fire crews from Arizona have been sent to help battle the deadly and historic wildfires burning in Southern California.
Numerous Valley agencies are also preparing or have been told to be on standby as the infernos scorch through the region.
On Thursday, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management confirmed it sent two more task forces to California. These crews will be staged at the Cleveland National Forest and the San Bernardino National Forest. However, officials say they could be “reassigned immediately” due to the changing conditions.
The department also has two additional task forces assigned to the Eaton Fire outside of Pasadena. Those resources are assigned to point protection, working to protect structures in the path of the fire.
In total, 17 engines, four water tenders and 80 personnel are working to contain the wildfires.
Arizona’s Family has sent a news crew on the ground to get an up-close look at the fires. Anchor Jared Dillingham and his photographer witnessed a home go up in flames in the Altadena neighborhood.
In the meantime, four firefighters and an engine from Tucson have also been dispatched, according to the Tucson Fire Department.
Rural Metro Fire also has two crew members headed to California, but it’s unclear which specific fire they have been assigned to assist with.
Firefighters from the Las Vegas area as well as those from Oregon, Washington, and Utah have been been requested to help provide aid.
The Navajo Scouts-IA crew, 3 Navajo Hotshots, and one engine crew member are also on the road to California to help fight the devastating fires.
Thursday afternoon, the Yuma Fire Department dispatched an engine company and four personnel to Los Angeles County.
Phoenix Fire Department confirmed that they were not sending any crews at this time, but are preparing for possible deployment.
Phoenix Fire’s Arizona Task Force 1 could be activated by FEMA at a moment’s notice to assist in the ongoing firefight that has killed at least five people and destroyed over 1,000 structures in the Los Angeles area.
“The Phoenix Fire Department will remain ready to assist in the most challenging situations. Our thoughts are with those affected by the fires, and we will continue to do everything possible to aid in response and recovery,” said Phoenix Fire Capt. Todd Keller.
As of Wednesday, fire officials confirmed that over 500 personnel had been assigned to the Eaton Fire, which has scorched at least 15,832 acres.
Meanwhile, the Palisades Fire has burned more than 10,600 acres, while a newer fire, dubbed the Hurst Fire, has grown to more than 500 acres in less than 18 hours.
All three fires are 0% contained. State officials say this is the first time two wildfires have burned through more than 5,000 acres individually in January.
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