TEXAS – Nearly 200 Texas firefighters are gearing up to help fight the growing deadly wildfires in California.

  • 200 Texas firefighters heading to California
  • 55 fire engines deploying
  • Camp Fire most destructive in state's history

They make up a total of 10 different task forces across the state. Some of those fire crews are from Austin, Bryan, Kyle, Lake Travis, San Antonio, Schertz, and Dallas, among other cities. Fire officials said the different departments will be working together, initially in Southern California. They will be deployed for two weeks, but that could change based on need. 

“From fighting wildfires to, you know, traffic accidents, structure fires, whatever the people, our brothers and sisters need in California, that’s why we’re going,” said Capt. Brian Stanush of the San Antonio Fire Department.

“Mutual aid is something that has been a part of the fire department culture, since it’s been formed. When your neighbor needs help you go out, you worry about money and stuff later, if at all,” said Division Chief Palmer Buck of the Austin Fire Department.

For many of the firefighters, it will be the first time they will tackle a wildfire of great magnitude raging across thousands of acres, but fire officials assured their crews are trained and ready. The experience will also serve as a learning opportunity for the firefighters, who hope to bring back lessons for their local communities.

“Getting on those super large, complex fires where hundreds  of thousands of acres are involved, that’s the experience that they’re going to be able to bring back, working within a larger network over time,” Buck said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that 55 fire engines will deploy on Monday.

“When disaster strikes, it is imperative that the call for help is answered, and that is exactly what these men and women serving in fire departments across Texas are doing. As California continues to fight these fires, Texas will be sending its bravest firefighters to aid in their efforts. Our prayers go out to all who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires, and the State of Texas will continue to offer any resources to aid in the recovery process,” Governor Abbott said in a news release.

One of the fires, the Camp Fire, is being called the most destructive fire in the state’s history.