Official announcements from state governments or the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)

Texas Sends 135 Firefighters to Aid California Wildfires, 11 Dead, $135B Damage Estimated

Jan 11, 2025, 05:07 PM

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of over 135 firefighters, emergency management and medical personnel, along with more than 45 fire engines, ambulances, and other equipment to assist California in combating devastating wildfires. This decision follows a request from the California Office of Emergency Services. The resources are being coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a state-to-state mutual aid system. The Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Emergency Medical Task Force are among the agencies involved. Dallas Fire-Rescue is contributing personnel and equipment for a deployment expected to last 14 days. Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of unity during crises, stating that Texans understand the destruction wildfires can cause. The Los Angeles area has been severely affected, with at least 11 fatalities and approximately 12,000 structures destroyed. The wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, have forced widespread evacuations and caused significant damage, with estimates ranging from $135 billion to $150 billion.