More resources sent to fight fires in Los Angeles area
Photo from the governor’s office.
Paso Robles firefighters join growing response to Los Angeles fires
– The Paso Robles Fire Department has deployed three personnel in overhead positions to assist with efforts to combat the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. Paso Robles Fire Chief Jonathan Stornetta confirmed the deployment, which is part of the growing pool of resources from across the state being directed to the ongoing crisis.
Photo from the governor’s office.
Governor activates 1,000 California National Guard members
On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the activation of 1,000 additional California National Guard members, bringing the total number of Guard personnel supporting fire suppression and public safety efforts in Southern California to approximately 2,500.
In addition to local and state resources, over 15,000 personnel, including firefighters, law enforcement, and transportation crews, have been mobilized. Equipment aiding the effort includes more than 1,700 firefighting apparatus, such as engines, bulldozers, and aircraft.
The ongoing fires have been fueled by hurricane-force winds, prompting a coordinated response from local, state, and federal agencies. Earlier this week, a state of emergency was declared, followed by a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support firefighting efforts and assist affected communities.
Individuals and businesses impacted by the fires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling (800) 621-3362, or via the FEMA smartphone app. Assistance is available in over 40 languages.
The fires in the Los Angeles area have burned over 40,000 acres and forced some 150,000 people to evacuate, according to a report by the Washington Post on Monday. The Palisades Fire, the largest, was 13 percent contained as of Monday morning. The Eaton Fire, which has killed 16 people — making it one of the deadliest in California’s history — was 33 percent contained. The fires’ causes remain under investigation.
For more information on resources and updates, visit CA.gov/LAfires.
