California Requesting More Aid from Arizona

Phoenix, AZ (12/8/17)  - The State of California is asking for more help from Arizona to assist with the multiple fires burning across the southern part of the state.

Today, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management received an order for an additional 22 engines, for a total of 42 engines and nearly 150 firefighters.

Many of the Arizona crews that have already arrived in California were assigned to the Lilac Fire in San Diego County.  Those crews are working as strike teams by providing initial attack and being used for structure protection.

It’s unknown where the additional crews will be assigned. That will be determined upon their arrival to the predetermined staging area.

“Please keep our Arizona firefighters, and all the men and women working these wildfires, in your thoughts and prayers. They are working long days and under stressful and very dangerous conditions. We want everyone to return home safely,” said Arizona State Forester Jeff Whitney.

According to Cal Fire, there are six active fires burning in California. The Rye Fire, Skirball, Thomas, Creek, Lilac, and Liberty Fires have burned more than 140,000 acres and destroyed more than 500 structures.

For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected]