The Houston Fire Department is stepping up to help battle the wildfires devastating southern California by supporting a statewide task force of wildland firefighters.
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This group, made up of firefighters from Houston, Baytown, Conroe, Needham, and North Montgomery County fire departments, left early Saturday morning and is now en route to California. They’ll stop near El Paso today to rest before continuing their journey, expected to reach California by Sunday.
Firefighters ready for 14-day deployment, possible extension
These firefighters are slated to stay for 14 days, though the deployment may be extended up to 21 days if the situation demands it.
Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz shared his pride in leading this group, emphasizing the importance of the partnerships between different fire departments:
“Partnerships like this are key to the success of a world-class fire department. We are showing up for our brothers and sisters during their time of need the same way they have for us.”
Muñoz asked the community to keep the firefighters in their thoughts as they face these challenges and to pray for the people affected by the fires in Los Angeles.
Texas agencies mobilize more than 135 firefighters and emergency personnel
The Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas A&M Forest Service, and other state agencies are also contributing to the effort, deploying more than 135 firefighters, emergency responders, and medical personnel, along with over 45 fire engines, ambulances, and other essential equipment.
Their collective goal is to support California’s ongoing battle against wildfires in the southern part of the state.