Sisters firefighters deployed to Los Angeles

Fifteen Oregon strike teams mobilized to help with the wildfires in the Los Angeles area arrived Thursday, January 9.

These 300 firefighters and 75 engines are assigned to the Palisades Fire burning north of the Los Angeles area. The firefighters will be deployed for up to 14 days and are protecting homes and other buildings. The teams will be patrolling for hotspots and working alongside CAL Fire and other state and federal agencies.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District contributed one engine and three personnel to the effort.

“We are in contact with our teams, and they are in good spirits,” Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Mariana Ruiz-Temple reported. “They’ve received their assignments and have started their work. I am honored to work alongside the Oregon fire service who raised their hands to say they will go without question. This shows their commitment to jump into action no matter what, embodying the Oregon spirit.”

Before arriving in Southern California, the teams completed a routine safety check with CAL Fire in Sacramento. These inspections ensure all engines on an emergency scene are equipped, mechanically sound, and able to respond.

“The vehicle safety check process was critical for our teams. With moving this amount of equipment and firefighters, safety has to be our highest priority,” OSFM Agency Administrator Ian Yocum said. “Our Oregon strike teams are motivated, committed to what they do, and excited to get out to the line and help where they are needed.”

This deployment is one of the largest out-of-state responses the Oregon fire service has supported, similar to the 2017 response to Santa Monica and Napa.