Tribe sends crews to help with Los Angeles fires

By Nicole Montesano

Smoke Signals staff writer

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde sent two trucks and a team of firefighters to California this week to help fight the fires that are devastating the Los Angeles area.

Emergency crews spent much of the day Wednesday, Jan. 8, determining who was available to go. Administrative Services Lt. Mariah Walters said the department sent a heavy brush rig and a structural engine, with two task force leaders, two assistant task force leaders and seven firefighters.

They joined other crews from Oregon counties, all organized through the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office.

“These resources are sent through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact,” Walters said. “The compact provides help during governor-declared emergencies or disasters by allowing states to send personnel, equipment and supplies, to support response and recovery efforts in other states. The strike teams will be reimbursed directly by California. When we deploy we work with one goal in mind: Protecting people, property and critical infrastructure. Our staff’s main focus down there will be to provide structural protection.”

According to a press release from the Fire Marshal’s office, Oregon is mobilizing 12 strike teams to send south.

“The Oregon State Fire Marshal has been monitoring and working with California throughout the event and received a request for assistance late Tuesday (Jan. 7) evening,” the press release said.  “As of midnight, the department has 12 strike teams made up of 240 firefighters and 60 engines that will be mobilizing later this morning. The agency will continue to monitor and will fill more requests as it progresses.”

Later in the day, the state announced it would send three additional teams.

Altogether, it said, Oregon has sent 15 strike teams, 300 firefighters and 75 engines to assist with the fires. Crews came from Polk, Benton/Columbia, Douglas, Clackamas, Clatsop, Central Oregon, Lane, Lincoln, Linn/Polk, two from Marion, Multnomah, Rogue Valley, Washington and Yamhill counties.

“Oregon and California have a strong partnership supporting each other,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We both understand that fire does not recognize map lines and we are ready to help each other whenever there is a need. During our historic 2024 wildfire season, California sent us help and in their time of need, we are working as fast as possible to lend them support during this emergency. Our hearts are with those impacted by these wildfires in southern California and we are doing everything we can to help. We are in constant contact with our partners in California to assess the resources they need to respond to this historic event.”

Those looking for information about the fires should follow the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, CAL Fire, or Los Angeles County, she said.

At least five people have been killed by five massive blazes spread by hot Santa Ana winds.