TEXAS, USA — Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) to send firefighters, emergency personnel, fire engines and equipment to help fight wildfires in California.
Abbott said in his announcement that the California Office of Emergency Services has asked for help responding to the devastating wildfires.
“Our hearts grieve with the entire Los Angeles community as they continue to respond to these destructive wildfires,” the governor said. “Texans know all too well the devastation wildfires can cause to our communities, and our country is stronger when we come together in times of crisis.”
According to Abbott, TDEM will deploy more than 135 firefighters and other personnel, as well as 45 fire engines, ambulances, command vehicles and other equipment.
Fire departments from across Texas are also headed west to help out those battling the wildfires.
Dallas Fire-Rescue said they were sending a Type 3 fire engine staffed with four wildland firefighters and two DFR members as part of a Emergency Medical Task Force to provide critical medical support for fire crews.
The strike team consists of five firefighting units (made up of personnel from Parker County, Greenville, Allen, Frisco and McKinney) and a designated strike team leader.
DFR’s deployment is expected to last up to 14 days, with the possibility of extension based on operational needs and conditions on the ground.
“We stand in solidarity with the teams of firefighters working to protect lives and property,” said Justin Ball, Dallas Fire Rescue Interim Fire Chief. “Dallas Fire Rescue Department is always ready to step in to support our fellow firefighters, especially in these extremely challenging conditions.”
“Please keep these men and women in your thoughts as they bravely face this disaster,” Houston Fire Department said in a post on X.
This morning, four of our Wildland firefighters are headed to California as part of a task force including @CityofBaytown, @ConroeFire, @needhamfiretx, and @PorterFire.Please keep these men and women in your thoughts as they bravely face this disaster. pic.twitter.com/I7lQF5Uy08
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) January 11, 2025
Tomorrow (Saturday), three Killeen Fire Department personnel are headed to California to assist in controlling the Los…
Posted by City of Killeen, Texas – Government on Friday, January 10, 2025
“I thank all the brave firefighters and first responders who are answering the call to help Californians in need as these fires continue to burn,” Abbott said in a press release. “Cecilia and I pray for the victims who lost their lives and their families, the heroic men and women of CAL FIRE, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the entire state of California during this difficult time.”