
After dedicating two weeks of intense firefighting efforts in Southern California, most of Oregon's strike teams are packing up to return home. According to details released by State of Oregon's newsroom, 17 of the 21 strike teams are set to leave, with two teams starting their departure tomorrow and the rest following on Friday.
The collaboration came as a response to the wildfires raging near Los Angeles, where Oregon firefighters were quickly to mobilize and assist on the fire lines of the Palisades and Eaton fires. In an unprecedented display of interstate assistance, the Oregon State Fire Marshal dispatched the largest out-of-state deployment in its history, consisting of 370 firefighters backed up by 105 fire engines and water tenders. "I am immensely proud of the work firefighters from the Oregon fire service and the Oregon Department of Forestry have done over the last two weeks in California," State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple lauded, according to the statement from the State of Oregon's newsroom. She highlighted the firefighters' "dedication and professionalism" as critical in supporting communities devastated by the fires.
While the majority are making their way back, four strike teams remain in California, dedicated to continuing containment efforts at the Eaton Fire and being ready to rapidly respond to any new fire outbreaks. No official word has yet been given concerning the timeline for their return.
The deployment, initiated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, is a mutual aid agreement that allows for states to share resources to combat governor-declared emergencies and disasters. It ensures that the Oregon teams' work will not only be appreciated but also that their expenses will be reimbursed by California. This setup aims to ideally ensure a symbiotic relationship where support can be given without causing undue financial strain on those who are quick to lend a hand—or in this case, a hose.