Fire crews from Fresno, Visalia, Clovis, Sanger, Tulare, and other local agencies are deployed to Los Angeles to help battle multiple wildfires that have consumed thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of structures. Tulare County Fire has also announced Wednesday that they are sending even more additional resources to support firefighting efforts.

The Fresno Fire Department told GV Wire that 18 personnel are deployed, including three four-person engine companies, three battalion chiefs serving as Strike Team Leaders, and three firefighters in overhead support positions.

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The Clovis Fire Department sent personnel who arrived Wednesday morning and began a 24-hour shift, according to a social media post.

Visalia Fire Department deployed a task force to assist with the Eaton Fire.

As of Thursday, AP reported that at least 180,000 residents are under evacuation orders, five were discovered dead, and the death toll is expected to rise as search crews begin combing through the rubble.

CalFire lists five active incidents across the region, with the Palisades and Eaton fires among the most severe.

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Palisades Fire

The largest blaze, the Palisades Fire, has burned 17,234 acres and remains 0% contained. CalFire reports 13,306 structures are threatened, and 300 have already been destroyed. Extreme fire behavior, including spotting up to a mile away, and wind gusts reaching 60 mph are complicating efforts.

CalFire is coordinating with Los Angeles County Fire and Los Angeles City Fire to combat the flames, protect infrastructure, and work toward containment.

Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire has claimed two civilian lives and scorched 10,600 acres, also at 0% containment. Firefighters are battling to protect critical infrastructure and prevent further destruction as Red Flag wind conditions persist. Multiple structures have been damaged or destroyed, and residents have been urged to remain vigilant.

Smaller Fires

Three smaller incidents continue to demand attention:

• Hurst Fire: Covering 855 acres at 10% containment, crews have established control lines but remain on high alert for flare-ups.
• Lidia Fire: Spanning 348 acres, the fire is 40% contained, and forward progress has been halted. The Angeles National Forest is temporarily closed until January 15 for safety.
• Sunset Fire: The smallest fire at 60 acres and 0% containment, evacuation zones have largely been lifted, though firefighters remain in the area to monitor vegetation for potential flare-ups.

Local school districts have announced closures for Thursday and Friday, citing the fires and ongoing hazardous conditions.

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Residents across affected areas are advised to follow updates from authorities as crews work tirelessly to bring the fires under control.

Gov. Newsom Reports on Support for the Fires

More than 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel have been deployed to combat historic wildfires in Southern California, fueled by dangerous winds and dry conditions, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday.

He announced the response, which includes local, state, and federal support, and issued an executive order to aid affected communities.

President Joe Biden approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bolster efforts.

The state’s emergency response includes over 1,000 firefighters, mutual aid from neighboring states, and additional resources from CalFire, Caltrans, CHP, and the California National Guard.

More than 500 people are sheltered, and health officials are monitoring public health impacts.

California also mobilized an additional 140 water tenders to support the ongoing fight against the flames.

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