As Southern California battles several destructive wildfires in early January, Oregon firefighters are stepping up to provide critical support.
As multiple wildfires wreak havoc across the Los Angeles area, at least two people have died, over 1,000 structures have been destroyed, and tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate. The Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, and Hurst Fire erupted on Tuesday, growing rapidly overnight due to strong winds, while a fourth blaze, the Woodley Fire, broke out early Wednesday, scorching 75 acres within hours.
Efforts to contain the fires have been hampered by dangerous weather conditions, preventing firefighting aircraft from being deployed. Local authorities have called in additional support from neighboring states, including Oregon, as firefighters race to protect communities in the path of destruction.
đ„ Los Angeles Wildfires đ„
— Culture War (@CultureWar2020) January 8, 2025
Absolute Nightmare - worst case scenario
2 Men and a Dog Trapped inside#PalisadesFire #PacificPalisades #California #LosAngelesWildfires #LAFires #CaliforniaWildfires #SunsetFire #CAwx #EatonFire pic.twitter.com/iunvBQw4cl
On Wednesday morning, the Oregon State Fire Marshal announced the deployment of 12 strike teams consisting of 240 firefighters and 60 fire engines to aid crews in California. The wildfires have already resulted in the destruction of over 1,000 structures and claimed at least two lives. As of early Wednesday, the fires are zero percent contained, officials say.
Oregonâs fire teams hail from Clackamas, Clatsop, Central Oregon, Lane, Lincoln, Linn/Polk, Marion (two teams), Multnomah, Rogue Valley, Washington, and Yamhill counties.
State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple emphasized the strong partnership between Oregon and California, highlighting the mutual support both states have offered during past wildfire emergencies.
âWe both understand that fire does not recognize map lines, and we are ready to help each other whenever there is a need,â Ruiz-Temple stated. âDuring our historic 2024 wildfire season, California sent us help, and in their time of need, we are working as quickly as possible to provide support during this emergency.â
Neighborhood after neighborhood⊠GONE. This is the heart of the Palisades. pic.twitter.com/HPVvbyCKmT
— Jonathan Vigliotti đ (@JonVigliotti) January 8, 2025
Californiaâs request for assistance came through the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact earlier this week.
The ongoing fires, including the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, and Hurst Fire, ignited on Tuesday, with a fourth blazeâthe Woodley Fireâbreaking out Wednesday morning. Fueled by relentless 60 mph winds, the fires continue to threaten thousands of residents, forcing mass evacuations across the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Oregonâs firefighters will join the frontlines in California, reflecting the shared commitment between neighboring states to combat the growing threat of wildfires.
