Idaho Firefighters Headed To California To Provide Assistance

Teams of firefighters from Idaho continue to head southwest to assist California departments with fighting numerous blazes that continue to burn uncontrollably.

Crews throughout the Gem State have joined California fire departments with relief efforts for a number of fires that have resulted in thousands of evacuations, planned blackouts and displaced families. Cities in Idaho, such as Parma, Emmet and Sand Hollow, have sent personnel hundreds of miles into locations where fires have resulted in millions of red flag warnings, according to details shared on by idahopress.com.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been touring impacted sites throughout the state. There are close to a dozen fires currently causing destruction in the state, including the Kincade Fire, which is burning in Sonoma County. The Kincade Fire is roughly 80,000 acres in size, and just 30% contained.

Several fires are burning both east and west of Los Angeles. The largest of the LA area blazes is the Saddle Ridge Fire, which started October 10, and has burned more than 9,000 acres. It is expected to be fully contained very soon.

Idaho deployments could last as long as three weeks for some crews, depending on the situation. The firefighters from Idaho will be compensated by the state of California for their efforts. Five engines and approximately 20 firefighters have left Idaho to assist.

Fires are also burning in the central and southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Some residents in California have been experiencing planned blackouts by Pacific Gas & Electric for a couple of weeks now.