The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is deploying 12 strike teams to California to assist in combating wildfires threatening communities near Los Angeles. The mobilization follows a request for assistance received late Tuesday evening, January 7th.
As of midnight, the department tells us they have organized 240 firefighters and 60 engines, set to mobilize on Wednesday. The strike teams are drawn from Clackamas, Clatsop, Central Oregon, Lane, Lincoln, Linn/Polk, two from Marion, Multnomah, Rogue Valley, Washington, and Yamhill counties.
CAL FIRE reports that firefighters are encountering extreme fire behavior, including short and long-range spotting, with wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour expected to persist through Thursday, creating perilous conditions. Firefighters and air resources are actively working to protect communities and infrastructure while striving to contain the fires…