Texas sending firefighters to help battle wildfires in California

A firefighter battles the Creek Fire as it threatens homes in the Cascadel Woods neighborhood of Madera County, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) (Noah Berger, Noah Berger)

HOUSTON – Firefighters and support personnel across the state of Texas are being deployed to parts of California to help battle the devastating wildfires, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday.

Abbott said approximately 190 firefighters, 50 fire trucks and 10 command vehicles from 56 fire departments in the state were sent to the West Coast on Friday. In August, the governor deployed 44 firefighters, 10 fire trucks and two command vehicles to the region.

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The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System will help mobilize those resources from the departments across the state.

“Texas is ready to answer the call for help when disaster strikes -- whether it’s here in the Lone Star State or across the country,” Abbott said. “I thank the brave men and women serving in our fire departments across Texas for stepping up to help Californians in need as these fires continue to burn. I ask all Texans to join me and Cecilia in prayer for the courageous firefighters battling these wildfires, as well as for those who have been affected by this disaster.”

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Firefighters watch the Bear Fire approach in Oroville, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. The blaze, part of the lightning-sparked North Complex, expanded at a critical rate of spread as winds buffeted the region. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)


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