Steve Salinas shields from intense heat as he hoses down a neighbors rooftop on Sinaloa Ave. as the Eaton Fire continues to grow on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, California. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
(TNS) More than 100 Idaho firefighters will deploy to California to help protect wildfire-threatened communities as deadly, highly destructive blazes rage in the Los Angeles area, according to a news release.
High winds helped propel the fires, which have killed at least five people. As of Thursday morning, the two biggest fires — the Palisades and the Eaton — were 0% contained and had destroyed thousands of homes and structures. Tens of thousands of people have had to evacuate.
“Emergencies like these remind us of the critical importance of teamwork and mutual aid,” Idaho Fire Chiefs Association President Kirk Carpenter said in the release. “Idaho firefighters are prepared to join the fight in California, standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners to protect communities in harm’s way.”
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services requested assistance from states in the West, according to Tristan Lewis, public affairs officer with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. Both Oregon and Washington have also sent crews.
The Gem State will also send 25 fire engines.
Idaho’s task forces are expected to arrive on Friday, the release said. ©2025 Idaho Statesman.
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