January 8, 2025 4:10 p.m.  

On Wednesday, the Oregon Department of Forestry filled an order to send six strike teams with 30 type 6 wildland engines and other overhead positions to California to help fight the disastrous wildfires in Los Angeles.

An ODF release said these wildfires combined with strong wind conditions in Los Angeles County have resulted in thousands evacuating and hazardous air quality.

As ODF firefighters arrive at the incident command post, they will receive a briefing on the situation and then assigned where needed. The two-week rotation in California will allow firefighters to return the favor of partners of California partners, who sent resources to support Oregon last summer.

The 70 firefighters were sent to California via state-to-state mutual assistance agreements with CalFire. When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, firefighters can be spared to help in places experiencing high fire activity.

The release said this past summer was a record-breaking year for the state with over 1.9 million acres burned. Quickly, Oregon’s in-state resources were depleted while more fires continued to pop up. In response to a call for help, Oregon was sent resources from about 20 U.S. states and multiple Canadian provinces and territories, including California who sent 21 high-demand positions.

ODF’s strike teams’ expenses will be reimbursed by the State of California.