Some East Bay Fire Crews Return From SoCal Deployments

ALAMEDA, CA—Alameda County fire crews who helped fight devastating wildfires burning in Southern California are beginning to return home as containment grows on two of the biggest blazes and rain finally returns to the forecast.

Earlier this month, fire departments across Alameda County and the Bay Area sent hundreds of firefighters to battle the Palisades and Eaton fires burning in Los Angeles County. The Palisades Fire destroyed over 6,000 structures and killed 10 people. It was classified as 59 percent contained Tuesday morning.

Containment for the Eaton Fire has grown to 87 percent after the fire destroyed nearly 9,500 structures and killed 17 people. Some evacuation orders are beginning to lift in both blazes.

Over the weekend, the Alameda Fire Department confirmed that one water tender engine had returned from its assignment. A second engine, with four members, remains assigned to the Palisades Fire to monitor hot spots and help clean up as residents prepare to return home.

In Fremont, officials said Sunday that six of 14 firefighters had safely returned from deployment. Of the remaining eight firefighters, one crew is still deployed at the Palisades Fire and another is assisting a pre-position assignment in San Bernardino County, officials said.

In an update shared Sunday, the Alameda County Fire Department said 12 of its fighters remained on the frontlines supporting fire engines, overhead operations, and search-and-rescue efforts.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the first sign of rain in months is in the forecast, which could help firefighters make considerable progress after a prolonged dry spell.