The Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Sunset fires are burning in the Los Angeles area, fueled by powerful winds with gusts of up to 60 miles per hour. The fires destroyed more than 2,000 structures and killed at least five people as of Thursday morning, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Oregon has sent at least 370 firefighters from 21 strike teams with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office and Oregon Department of Forestry. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has sent two strike teams made up of 35 personnel and 10 engines. An additional nine task forces of 146 personnel have been sent from departments across the state.

“I have been in touch with Governor Newsom and have assured him that Washington stands ready to do whatever we can to assist in this crisis,” Gov. Jay Inslee said.

Red Cross workers from Oregon and Southwest Washington were also headed to Southern California on Thursday to help evacuees at seven shelters in the LA area. Nearly 180,000 people are under mandatory evacuations, according to the New York Times.

Gusty winds are expected through Friday afternoon with critically dry conditions in the LA area, according to the National Weather Service.

This story may be updated.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/01/09/oregon-washington-firefighters-los-angeles-wildfires/