AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott recently announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and Texas A&M Forest Service to deploy firefighters, emergency management and medical personnel, fire engines, and equipment to assist with wildfire response efforts in California following a request from CAL FIRE through the California Office of Emergency Services.

“Our hearts grieve with the entire Los Angeles community as they continue to respond to these destructive wildfires,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans know all too well the devastation wildfires can cause to our communities, and our country is stronger when we come together in times of crisis. I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy firefighters, fire engines, and firefighting equipment to help our fellow Americans battle these wildfires. I thank all the brave firefighters and first responders who are answering the call to help Californians in need as these fires continue to burn. Cecilia and I pray for the victims who lost their lives and their families, the heroic men and women of CAL FIRE, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the entire state of California during this difficult time.”

TDEM, the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, and Texas Emergency Medical Task Force will deploy more than 135 firefighters, emergency management and medical personnel, as well as more than 45 fire engines, ambulances, command vehicles, and equipment to California as crews battle ongoing wildfires in the southern part of the state.

This deployment is coordinated under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). EMAC is a state-to-state mutual aid system that enables states to provide assistance and share resources with another state in response to a disaster or emergency. EMAC members can share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy, and be reimbursed for mission-related costs. For more information, visit emacweb.org.