Ogden, UT – As California grapples with multiple devastating wildfires that have forced the evacuation of over 180,000 residents and destroyed entire neighborhoods, firefighters from Utah are stepping in to offer critical support. On Thursday morning, a team of 64 firefighters from 17 fire agencies across Utah mobilized to assist their counterparts in Southern California.
A staging area was set up at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, where Utah’s fire personnel gathered before embarking on their journey south. The team, equipped with 15 fire engines specially designed for fighting structural and urban fires, is poised to play a key role in combating the blazes that have been wreaking havoc in California.
“This is an opportunity to provide our skills and support to the people of California during a time of crisis,” said Kelly Bird, a representative from Unified Fire Authority. “While we hate to use the word ‘excited’ given the devastating reason for our deployment, there is a sense of pride in knowing that we can offer our expertise and give hope to those who need it most.”
The Utah firefighters are part of a broader effort to bring in reinforcements from across the country as California battles some of the worst wildfires in its history. With conditions continuing to worsen, the help from neighboring states has been crucial in the fight to save lives and property.
The deployment reflects the spirit of mutual aid that often emerges during large-scale disasters, as firefighters and first responders work together to tackle complex and dangerous situations far from home. As Utah’s team heads to California, their mission is clear: to lend a helping hand in a time of great need, demonstrating the power of collaboration in the face of disaster.