As large wildfires continue burning in Oregon, California sends firefighting crews to assist
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~ As wildfires continue to ravage through Oregon, neighboring state California has stepped in to offer assistance. Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that firefighting personnel and equipment from local fire agencies will be deployed to aid in the battle against the blazes.

The decision comes after Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency due to the hot and dry conditions that have sparked multiple large wildfires throughout the state. California, having experienced its fair share of devastating wildfires, understands the impact these disasters can have on communities.

"We're proud to help our neighbors with firefighting resources and expertise, while maintaining a robust fleet here at home to keep Californians safe," said Governor Newsom.

The deployment is being coordinated by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This national inter-state mutual aid agreement allows states to request and send personnel, equipment, and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states.

According to Cal OES Director Nancy Ward, EMAC is an important agreement that allows for resources to be shared across borders during times of disaster. "We stand ready to assist Oregon with these devastating wildfires by sending in California firefighters and equipment," she stated.

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In response to a request from Governor Kotek, Governor Newsom instructed Cal OES to coordinate the deployment of three firefighting strike teams consisting of 15 fire engines and 80 firefighters. These teams are being deployed from various local government fire agencies in Alameda, Calaveras, Kern, Merced, Nevada, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco, and San Joaquin counties.

California has assured its residents that it has sufficient firefighting capacity to respond to both current and emerging wildfires. Resources can also be recalled if needed. This deployment is just one example of California's ongoing efforts to aid other states during emergencies.

Earlier this year, California sent search and rescue teams to Texas for Tropical Storm Beryl response, emergency management experts to Oregon for winter storms, and 61 law enforcement officers to Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention. In 2022, California deployed firefighters, disaster recovery experts, and other personnel to Florida, Oregon, New Mexico, and Montana. And in 2021, California sent firefighting equipment and personnel to assist with Oregon's response to the Bootleg Fire.

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In addition to providing assistance to other states during emergencies, California has also been making strides in addressing its own issues. The state recently announced that it has provided over 3.2 million low-income children with free meals through the SUN Bucks program this summer. This has resulted in more than $162 million in food purchases. However, over a dozen Republican-led states have refused to take advantage of this federal program.

Furthermore, California has also launched a world-leading Hydrogen Hub initiative. With an agreement signed and first round of funding secured, the state is taking steps towards accelerating the development and deployment of clean and renewable hydrogen projects.

Governor Newsom also announced several appointments today, including Melany Acosta-Parra to the California Youth Empowerment Commission. Acosta-Parra currently serves as a Recreation Leader for the City of Kerman Parks and Recreation department.

As wildfires continue to rage on in Oregon and other parts of the country face their own challenges, it is heartening to see states like California stepping up to offer assistance and support. Through mutual aid agreements like EMAC and initiatives like the Hydrogen Hub, we can work together towards a safer and more resilient future for all.

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