The Oregon State Fire Marshal has announced that six more strike teams of water tenders are en route to Southern California to aid in fighting the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
This brings the total number of Oregon strike teams deployed to 21, which includes 75 fire engines, 30 water tenders, and 370 firefighters.
Oregon is leveraging its Fire Mutual Aid System, which involves over 300 local structural fire agencies, to provide critical resources to California while still maintaining adequate coverage within the state.
Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple emphasized the importance of these mutual aid efforts in supporting California during this devastating wildfire season.
The Los Angeles wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and light winds, are expected to intensify with the return of Santa Ana winds, which have historically worsened wildfire conditions in the region.
The fire threatens to spread into highly populated areas such as the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.
The situation has prompted one of the largest out-of-state fire responses from Oregon, recalling similar efforts during the 2017 fires in Santa Rosa and Napa.