Medford, OR— Two weeks after being dispatched to Southern California to aid in the fight against the Palisades and Eaton Fires near Los Angeles, 17 of Oregon’s 21 strike teams are heading back home. The teams, consisting of 370 firefighters and 105 fire engines and water tenders, have completed their mission, marking the largest out-of-state deployment in Oregon’s firefighting history.
According to a statement from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, two strike teams are returning today, while 15 others will head home tomorrow. The deployment, which began in early January, saw Oregon firefighters work alongside teams from across the country to battle the massive wildfires that have devastated communities in the Los Angeles area.
Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple expressed immense pride in the efforts of the state’s firefighters, acknowledging their hard work and dedication during the challenging mission. “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,” said Ruiz-Temple in a news release. “Their dedication and professionalism have made a meaningful difference for the communities affected by these devastating fires. The willingness of our firefighters to step up and provide critical aid, often in challenging and dangerous conditions, is a testament to the strength and resilience of Oregon’s fire service.”
The Palisades and Eaton Fires, which have been burning in the region for weeks, have caused widespread destruction, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and threatening both lives and property. Oregon’s firefighters were called in to help contain the blazes and protect vulnerable communities, providing critical support to local teams already on the ground.
This deployment marks a milestone in the state’s history, demonstrating the ongoing commitment and preparedness of Oregon’s firefighting teams in times of crisis. As these strike teams head back to Oregon, the work done in Southern California continues to be a powerful reminder of the importance of inter-state collaboration in the face of growing wildfire threats.
Oregon’s firefighters are expected to return home with the satisfaction of knowing their efforts made a significant impact in aiding the recovery of communities affected by the fires.