Central Coast firefighters add to the crews battling the Los Angeles wildfires
CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The deadly fires still burning across Southern California may see further spread if the expected 70 mph winds pick up embers and ignite more sparks, according to the National Weather Service.
For almost one week, firefighters from all across the state have been battling a number of fires in the Los Angeles region, including personnel from the Central Coast.
Among the total 15,000 firefighters assigned to the fires burning in Southern California, are local crews from Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties.
"Early last week, our Type 1 OES Engine 2123 was deployed to the Palisades Fire with four of our members to assist in the firefighting efforts," wrote Salinas Fire on Instagram. "Shortly after, our Type 3 Engine 305 also deployed to the same fire with four additional members. They have been tirelessly working to help bring these fire under control."
Santa Cruz Fire announced that their crews are working specifically on the Eaton Fire.
"Teams from Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Central Fire [are] assigned to fight the Eaton Fire, providing crucial support in combating this destructive blaze," they wrote on Facebook.
Seaside Fire said that they have also been deployed to Southern California for the Palisades Fire.
"Our Type 3 wildland fire engine with a crew of four (a captain, engineer and two firefighters) is mobilizing to join other fire agencies: Monterey FD, Salinas FD, Monterey County Regional FD and Fort Hunter Liggett FD," they announced on Facebook.
Additionally, CAL FIRE BEU gave the community a strike team deployment update, saying that they are also now assisting in the Palisades Fire with five overhead personnel filling various support roles.
“I would like to extend my gratitude for the multiple fire departments that have helped to this unprecedented also apocalyptic wildfire," said Luis Perez from CAL FIRE in Monterey. "There has been unexpected destruction, and every fire department has contributed.”
Deaths and Evacuations
“People that don’t evacuate... we want to encourage people that when they hear an evacuation warning or order, to get out as soon as possible," said Perez.
According to CNN, already at least 24 people have died as a result of these fires, with dozens still missing, and over 92,000 Los Angeles County residents under evacuation orders and some 89,000 under evacuation warnings.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that there are “likely to be a lot more” deaths.
CNN also reported that the Eaton and Palisades fires are likely the second and fourth most destructive in California history, with the combined total area burned by the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires at about 60 square miles, which is an area larger than Paris.
