FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Hundreds of wildfires are burning across the western United States, stretching firefighting resources as local, state and federal agencies work together to protect communities and contain fast-moving blazes.
As temperatures continue to climb, California is sending firefighters to assist neighboring states while also preparing for an increasing wildfire threat at home.
One of the most destructive fires is burning in Spokane County, Washington, where wildfires have scorched more than 5,000 acres, destroyed hundreds of homes and forced as many as 65,000 people to evacuate.
To support firefighting efforts in Washington and Oregon, California has deployed 180 personnel, 20 fire engines and four specialized CAL FIRE rescue teams.
CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Jesse Torres said crews are prepared to remain out of state for an extended period.
“We usually commit to a 21-day or 14-day assignment to make sure we’re there long enough to get engaged, help assist and put that fire out as much as possible,” Torres said.
In a statement, CAL FIRE’s San Luis Obispo Unit said California is returning the support it has received during past wildfire emergencies.
“California has received assistance from firefighters across the country during some of our most challenging fire seasons. We are proud to return that support and stand alongside our brothers and sisters in Washington.”
That spirit of teamwork was evident even before crews reached their assignment. While traveling to Spokane, a Kootenai County, Idaho fire crew spotted a house fire, stopped to extinguish it, and left a handwritten note for the homeowner explaining what happened.
“We noticed the house full of smoke while driving by. Sorry for the damage, but we were able to save the house,” the note read.
Meanwhile, California is battling significant fires of its own.
The Gann Fire, burning east of Stockton, nearly doubled in size over a 24-hour period, growing to more than 6,400 acres and prompting evacuation orders.
“We recently activated an incident management team there as well to support that incident that’s growing rapidly with high winds and just burning quickly through the brush and the grass,” Torres said.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is also moving resources into areas considered at high risk for wildfire, including Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.
The agency is pre-positioning bulldozers, fire engines, dispatchers and additional personnel ahead of expected fire activity.
Cal OES said strategically placing resources before fires ignite can significantly improve response times.
“Advanced placement can mean the difference between a fire that is quickly contained and one that becomes a major disaster,” the agency said.
With hot, dry conditions expected to persist, fire officials say the wildfire threat remains elevated throughout the region.
CAL FIRE is encouraging residents to prepare emergency “go bags” with essential supplies in case evacuation orders are issued.
Torres said how long California crews remain in Washington and Oregon will depend on how fire conditions develop in the coming weeks.