Wildfires tearing through Southern California have killed at least 24 people, displaced thousands and destroyed more than 12,000 structures in the Los Angeles area. The fires, which started on Tuesday, Jan. 7, have been fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds that forecasters expect to kick back up through at least midweek.
Cal Fire says several states, including Oregon, have sent firefighters and fire trucks to help fight the flames. But some people on socialmedia claim California fire officials are turning away multiple fire trucks traveling from out of state because they didn’t pass emissions tests.
“Did you hear that California rejected 60 fire trucks that Oregon has sent over to fight the Los Angeles fire?” said a man in a TikTok video with over 500,000 views. “And you wouldn’t even guess the reason — because of emissions.”
Several VERIFY readers, including Brandy, Carol, DeAnn and Steven, asked if there was any truth to these claims.
THE QUESTION
Did California reject or delay out-of-state fire trucks due to emissions tests?
THE SOURCES
- Oregon State Fire Marshal
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire)
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom
THE ANSWER
No, California did not reject or delay out-of-state fire trucks due to emissions tests.
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WHAT WE FOUND
California did not reject or delay out-of-state fire trucks due to emissions tests. Instead, fire trucks traveling from Oregon and other states went through routine 15-minute safety checks before heading to Southern California to help fight the wildfires.
“To be clear: This is false,” the Oregon State Fire Marshal said in a statement on Jan. 12, pushing back against what they have called a flood of misinformation online.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal says 15 strike teams consisting of 300 firefighters and 75 fire engines traveled from Oregon to Sacramento, California, on Wednesday, Jan. 8 for an overnight pit stop. On Thursday, Jan. 9 at 6 a.m., these strike teams went through a routine 15-minute safety check with Cal Fire to make sure the engines were “mechanically sound.”
After they completed the safety check, all 15 strike teams arrived in Southern California on Thursday afternoon and began their 24-hour shift early Friday morning, the Oregon State Fire Marshal says.
“Firefighter safety is our number one priority,” the Oregon State Fire Marshal said, noting that while their equipment is top-notch, it’s not every day their fire trucks make such a long journey hundreds of miles south.
Cal Fire also addressed the rumors circulating on social media.
“No vehicles from out of state have been turned around or refused service… and all out-of-state vehicles have been serviced and are heading to or have arrived in Southern California,” Cal Fire said on its Facebook page. “No emissions or SMOG testing was performed.”
On a webpage dedicated to debunking misinformation concerning the wildfires, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office also explained that out-of-state fire trucks routinely undergo 15-minute safety and equipment inspections to ensure there are no issues with the vehicles.
The Associated Press and KGW digital journalist Sabinna Pierre contributed to this report.