California has deployed 3,372 personnel and 258 pieces of equipment since June to support wildfire, flood, and earthquake response in 12 states and two countries, Governor Gavin Newsom announced.
The deployments have included approximately 2,921 firefighters and 172 fire engines from about 200 local government agencies. Most recently, 130 personnel and 31 fire apparatus from 28 California fire agencies were sent to Nevada to support response to the Hawk Fire near Reno.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has deployed nearly 600 personnel to wildfires in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado, and Texas since July 1. The agency also responded to 37 incidents managed by federal incident management teams.
"In moments of disaster, the distance between us matters less than the duty we share," Newsom said. "As disasters impact our neighbors across the West, California's first responders are bringing their experience, courage and care to communities in need, while remaining ready to protect the people they serve at home."
The state has made unprecedented investments in wildfire response, with funding nearly doubled over the past several years. Over the past five years, the state fire department has added an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal firefighter positions annually.
The assisted states are Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The countries are Venezuela and Colombia.