WATCH: Hundreds of Texas Firefighters Rush to California’s Aid Amidst Historic Wildfires
As California battles the worst fires in state history, fire departments across Texas are springing into action.
On Sunday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Texas firefighters will be deployed to help combat the wildfires that are ravaging the Golden State and have already claimed the lives of 42. Approximately 200 firefighters with 55 fire engines from local fire departments across Texas began their journey to California on Monday morning, according to Abbot’s office. Teams from the Texas Forest Service at Texas A&M were also dispatched.
“This is another solid example of Texas firefighters stepping up to help out,” Mark Stanford, fire chief and associate director at Texas A&M Forest Service, told KWTX. “This is the largest mobilization of Texas firefighting resources to another state to fight wildland fires.”
A representative from the Fort Worth Fire Department, which is sending five firefighters and a brush truck, told CBSDFW that this is the first time the city has sent firefighters to help outside of the state.
“When disaster strikes, it is imperative that the call for help is answered, and that is exactly what these men and women serving in the fire departments across Texas are doing,” Abbott said in a release. “As California continues to fire these fires, Texas will be sending its bravest firefighters to aid in their efforts. Our prayers go out to all who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires, and the State of Texas will continue to offer any resources to aid in the recovery process.”
