Oregon Sends Massive Firefighting Backup to Neighboring California

310 Firefighters and 90 Engines

The backup force consists of 310 firefighters and 90 engines from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the State Fire Marshal.

Both departments will be keeping a close eye on developments in California and will send more firefighting power, if needed.

The fires have now spread to the Hollywood Hills and fanned by strong winds have already engulfed Malibu beachfront property, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents.

The situation in Los Angeles is deteriorating rapidly, with hazardous air quality and warnings to residents to drink bottled water as city water supplies have been contaminated by debris from the fires.

The ODF and State Fire Marshal say they are returning the favor to their California partners who sent resources to support Oregon during the calamitous 2024 wildfire season.

The 310 firefighters are part of the state-to-state mutual assistance agreement between Oregon and California. Oregon also shares mutual assistance agreements with Alaska, Hawaii, and NW Canadian territories.

The strike teams consist of firefighters from Central Oregon, Clackamas, Clatsop, Lane, Lincoln, Linn/Polk, Marion, Multnomah, Rogue Valley, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

According to CAL FIRE, wind gusts up to 60 miles an hour are expected to continue throughout the day, with firefighters facing extreme fire behavior. Depending on wind strengths, helicopters are intermittently dropping buckets of water on the flames to try and gain control.

Oregon and California Share a Strong Partnership of Support

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple says the two states share a strong support partnership, understanding that fires ignore map lines. The two states have worked together in response to wildfires since 2017 with one goal – to protect people, property, and critical infrastructure, says Ruiz-Temple.

The request for help from California was received by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

The compact offers help during governor-declared disasters or emergencies by sending manpower, equipment, and supplies.

California will reimburse the Oregon strike teams.

Editor’s Note: At the time of writing, sweeping evacuations were underway as five major fires were burning around LA County. Thousands of structures have been destroyed or damaged.

Criticism is being leveled at Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for cutting the Fire Department budget by $17.5 million this financial year.

Updates

Palisades Fire has consumed 16,000 acres.
50 acres have been scorched in the Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills.
5 schools have been badly damaged by the Eaton Fire.

Wildfire