Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Saturday that the state has deployed first responders and equipment to California following a formal request from the California Office of Emergency Services.
The Lone Star State is sending more than 135 personnel, including firefighters and medical staff, along with more than 45 fire trucks, ambulances, and specialized equipment to the Golden State to help fight the spreading wildfires.
In a recent press release, Abbott expressed sympathy for those affected by the fires, stating, “Our hearts grieve with the entire Los Angeles community as they continue to respond to these destructive wildfires.”
He also stressed the importance of mutual support during disasters, adding that “Texans know all too well the devastation wildfires can cause to our communities, and our country is stronger when we come together in times of crisis.”
Nearly a year ago, Texas firefighters battled the single-biggest wildfire in the history of the Lone Star State and the second-biggest in the history of the United States, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a state-to-state mutual aid agreement, manages the mobilization of firefighting and emergency resources across state lines in response to major disasters or severe weather events.
Under EMAC, states can offer these vital resources while ensuring that deployed personnel are protected and reimbursed for emergency response expenses. Since its start, the compact has played a key role in enabling fast, coordinated responses from states across America to help one another during events like wildfires and hurricanes.
Abbott expressed appreciation for those working to contain the wildfires and assist in recovery efforts.
“I thank all the brave firefighters and first responders who are answering the call to help Californians in need as these fires continue to burn. Cecilia and I pray for the victims who lost their lives and their families, the heroic men and women of CAL FIRE, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the entire state of California during this difficult time,” Abbott concluded.
The fires that have ravaged the Los Angeles area have already claimed the lives of 24 people as of Monday morning, according to AP News, and at least 16 persons have been reported missing.
In the meantime, the situation in California remains dire, as local forecasters are predicting strong winds on Tuesday and Wednesday with the potential for “explosive fire growth,” CBS News reported.