Fire Departments In Texas Sending Help To Fight California Wildfires

DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - Fire departments across Texas are sending manpower to try to control wildfires burning in California.

The Texas Forest Service at Texas A&M says California has requested help battling two complexes of wildfires that have forced 250,000 people to evacuate and killed 31.

The forest service says 200 firefighters and 55 engines from across the state are joining the fight.

In North Texas, 17 firefighters left from Dallas with three from Lewisville Sunday evening. They were bringing four engines, a tactical tender and another vehicle.

A team of five firefighters is leaving Fort Worth Monday morning with a brush truck. This is the first time firefighters from Ft. Worth have been deployed out of state.

Five others left from Frisco.

"When disaster strikes, it is imperative that the call for help is answered, and that is exactly what these men and women serving in fire departments across Texas are doing,” Governor Greg Abbott wrote in a statement. “As California continues to fight these fires, Texas will be sending its bravest firefighters to aid in their efforts. Our prayers go out to all who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires, and the State of Texas will continue to offer any resources to aid in the recovery process.”

Departments will receive their assignments when they arrive in California.

Five firefighters and a brush truck will leave from @FortWorthFire this morning for California. Dallas Fire Rescue sending 17 people, Frisco sending five, Lewisville sending 3 firefighters. pic.twitter.com/A6bGthkBDQ

— Alan Scaia (@scaia) November 12, 2018