Texas Firefighters To Help Battle Deadly California Wildfires
AUSTIN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Firefighters from local departments across Texas, including the DFW area, will help battle wildfires that are ravaging California, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Sunday.
The Camp Fire decimated almost the entire city of Paradise, leveling more than 6,700 structures -- most of them homes. The Hill and Woolsey fires are scorching Southern California and have destroyed homes throughout Malibu and neighboring cities.
The death toll for these fires rose to 29 as of Sunday.
Abbott said about 200 Texas firefighters with 55 fire engines, along with teams from the Texas Forest Service at Texas A&M, will head to California Monday morning to aid in those fires.
"When disaster strikes, it is imperative that the call for help is answered, and that is exactly what these men and women serving in the fire departments across Texas are doing," said Gov. Abbott. "As California continues to fire 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."
Five Fort Worth firefighters and a brush truck will be heading to California to assist. The department said it's the first time the city has sent firefighters to help outside of the state.
Dallas Fire-Rescue will also be sending 17 firefighters, along with three from Lewisville, to help fight the wildfires.