INLAND NORTHWEST – As fire departments across the nation are deploying to Los Angeles, multiple crews in the Inland Northwest are also stepping up to help fight the devastating Southern California wildfires.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WSDNR) sent two strike teams to assist.
The Northern Lakes Fire Protection District sent one engine with three firefighters. Their battalion chief and strike team leaders are also part of the convoy.
“We haven’t sent anybody outside of our region… in many years. And a lot of the time it’s because we didn’t have the additional resources to spare during our wildland season,” Deputy Chris Larson, the Public Information Officer for the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District, said.
In all, there are approximately seven engines and five strike teams from Idaho responding to the devastating fires.
“There won’t be any cost to our taxpayers, because they’re going to be reimbursed,” Larson said.
The Northern Lakes Fire Protection District told NonStop Local that crews are currently en route to Los Angeles. They hope to arrive by Friday evening.
