Oregon, Washington mobilize to help Calif. fire efforts
Gabrielle Karol
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon and Washington are continuing to send resources down south, as California continues to fight fires across the state.
At least 29 people have been confirmed dead in the Northern California town of Paradise, according to the Associated Press, and firefighters are continuing to search for bodies. Paradise, a small town in Butte County, was destroyed by the Camp Fire.
Most of the firefighters deployed from Oregon and Washington have gone to fight the Camp Fire and assist in search and recovery efforts. Portland Fire and Rescue Lt. Rich Chatman said the 10 firefighters from his bureau have mostly been involved in body recovery.
“They’ve basically explained that it’s devastation they’ve never seen before,” Chatman said. “It’s pretty traumatic.”
The Portland firefighters are part of a larger effort coordinated by Oregon’s Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). In all, OSFM has sent 15 strike teams to California, totaling more than 300 firefighters from local fire departments across Oregon.
In addition, Oregon’s Department of Forestry deployed two strike teams of 28 firefighters. Spokesperson Bobbi Doan told KOIN 6 the firefighters were headed to Southern California, before being diverted to the Camp Fire.
Photos: Wildfires devastate California
One of the ODF strike teams is supporting operations on the north side of the fire; the other is working in the southeast corner. Doan said conditions are not helping firefighting efforts.
“The fire behavior advisory is still in effect,” Doan said. “There’s still a red flag warning of high winds and extremely dry fuels, with low relative humidity. Conditions are not favorable.”
Washington’s Department of Natural Resources sent 106 firefighters and 20 engines to assist with the Camp Fire, as well. Washington Emergency Management deployed 4 strike teams of 93 people.
Amelia Holmes, with the American Red Cross Cascade Region, said the non-profit has already sent 15 volunteers to California. More will likely be needed to assist with recovery efforts.
“Many of our volunteers who deploy to a natural disaster like California are going to be in our shelters, helping people who have had to evacuate,” Holmes said.
Holmes said the Red Cross encourages people to donate money, rather than supplies.
“Financial donations enable us to respond at a moment’s notice,” Holmes said.
Individuals can donate $10 to the Red Cross by texting “CAWILDFIRES” to 90999.
