Central Oregon fire crews are part of 21 strike teams from Oregon heading to Southern California to assist in combating severe wildfires.
Jason Ellison, the Task Force Leader for Oregon State Fire Marshal Strike Team 6, mentioned that they are traveling with six departments, including Black Butte, Redmond, Bend, Sisters-Camp Sherman, Alfalfa, and Jefferson County.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal is deploying 15 structural firefighting teams, while the Oregon Department of Forestry is sending six wildland firefighting teams after California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to wildfires that have resulted in at least five fatalities and widespread destruction, leaving 1.5 million residents without power.Ellison expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back, noting that California had previously provided assistance during Oregon’s own wildfire challenges.
Winds gusting up to 60 mph are expected to persist in Malibu, where the Pacific Palisades Fire has burned approximately 5,000 acres. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has scorched over 2,000 acres in Altadena.
This week, five Type 3 engines and 17 firefighters from Central Oregon are heading to Los Angeles.
Jason Ellison, Task Force Leader for Oregon State Fire Marshal Strike Team 6, noted that the crews will need to adapt to unfamiliar terrain. “This is a different topography than we have here in Central Oregon,” he explained.
“But we’re researching the landscape, water systems, and road networks to ensure we’re ready when we arrive.”In total, the State Fire Marshal is sending six pieces of equipment and over 240 firefighters to assist as local fire crews are stretched thin due to the severity of ongoing wildfires. Footage from Los Angeles shows neighborhoods engulfed in smoke and flames, a situation Oregon crews are now preparing to face.
Ellison expressed gratitude for community support: “We just hope that our communities and families know we appreciate them. Our focus will be on the mission down there, and we aim to return home safely.”The Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized 12 strike teams to California in response to a request for assistance received late Tuesday evening.
These teams consist of 240 firefighters and 60 engines, with mobilization planned for later today.The agency will continue to monitor the situation and respond to further requests as needed.
The strike teams are being dispatched from various counties, including Clackamas, Clatsop, Central Oregon, Lane, Lincoln, Linn/Polk, two from Marion, Multnomah, Rogue Valley, Washington, and Yamhill.CAL FIRE reports that firefighters are encountering extreme fire behavior, characterized by both short and long-range spotting. Winds gusting up to 60 miles per hour are expected to persist through Thursday, exacerbating the dangerous conditions.
Firefighters and aerial resources will continue their efforts to protect communities and infrastructure while working to gain control over the fires.“Oregon and California have a strong partnership in supporting each other. We both recognize that fire does not respect state lines, and we are prepared to assist whenever needed,” stated Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “During our historic 2024 wildfire season, California provided us with support, and now we are eager to return the favor during their time of need.”Since 2017, Oregon and California have maintained a collaborative relationship in wildfire response, focusing on the protection of people, property, and critical infrastructure.
The request for assistance came through the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. This compact facilitates support during governor-declared emergencies by allowing states to send personnel, equipment, and supplies to aid response and recovery efforts in other states. California will directly reimburse the strike teams for their assistance.
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