Washington firefighters head out to help with devastating California wildfires

SHORELINE, Wash. — Following days of devastating damage from wildfires in LA, California officials are asking for help from neighboring states — and Washington firefighters are answering the call.

This morning, local fire department crews headed out to Southern California to battle the major fires that are burning their way through parts of Los Angeles.

Several departments across Washington state are setting out on the two-day journey to join the fight and bring much-needed help as those fires rage out of control.

According to the Washington Emergency Management, there are 43 local fire agencies across the state providing resources, with many on their way to California already.

California firefighters have spent days battling the wind and fires that are destroying homes and forcing tens of thousands of people to flee.

In Shoreline, several firefighters were preparing to deploy early this morning. They packed up their gear and headed out around 7 a.m.

“It was a quick turnaround. Once the call was made, everyone scrambled. The resource leaders filtering down to get the boots on the street down there,” said Battalion Chief Justyn Shevlin with Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue.

At least 40 firefighters who have had the proper training to deal with these types of fires are heading down to help, even though we don’t get wind-fueled fires like the type California is experiencing here in Washington.

The imagery from LA makes it plain that the firefighters leaving Washington will be busy as soon as they hit the ground, and they could be there at least for two weeks.

For a full list of the firefighters participating and other resources heading to California, visit the Washington Emergency Management website.

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