Less than 24 hours after devastating wildfires broke out in the hills north of Los Angeles on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 7, Alameda County fire fighters responded to the call—including Fremont, Hayward, and Alameda County Fire Departments. On Wednesday, Fremont FD shared on their social media that their fire fighters had joined California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES) Strike Teams and Task Forces from the county.
On Thursday, Aisha Knowles, Public Affairs Manager for Fremont FD, shared that there were currently a total of 14 firefighters, three fire engines and two Battalion Chiefs from Fremont assigned to the LA fires. She also clarified that all of the local stations remain fully staffed, and the LA deployments will not affect the department’s ability to respond to local emergencies.
Deputy Fire Chief Heather Mozdean shared via email, “As part of our commitment to mutual aid agreements, Fremont firefighters were deployed to assist with the ongoing fires in Southern California. These agreements are vital for addressing large-scale incidents, ensuring that communities across the state receive the resources and support they need during emergencies.”
Our firefighters are highly trained and prepared to operate in challenging conditions, and their safety is our top priority. While we provide assistance, we have ensured that adequate resources remain within our jurisdiction to maintain local public safety.
We stand in solidarity with the impacted communities and commend the efforts of all first responders working tirelessly to protect lives and property. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we will continue to support this critical mission as needed.”
Alameda County Fire Department Public Affairs Specialist sent out an email on Monday, Jan. 13, sharing that there were currently 27 people from the department serving with Alameda County’s Out-of-County Mutual Aid (OCMA) Network (which includes 93 firefighters in total).
On Friday and Saturday, a lull in the Santa Ana winds helped fire fighters gain some control over the multiple blazes. On Monday morning, AP News posted that with strong winds returning, 5,000 firefighters were currently battling the Palisades fire and 3,000 the Eaton fire. Planes dropping water on the fires could be grounded due to wind. LA residents are warned to be ready in case of new evacuation orders.
How to help
@mutualaidla on Instagram provides a compilation of organizations helping the victims of the LA wildfires.
California Fire Foundation
cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html
