Peninsula Crews Help Fight SoCal Fires On The Frontlines

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Firefighters from nearly a dozen agencies across the Peninsula have deployed to Southern California to help fight devastating fires that continue to ravage Los Angeles County.

According to San Mateo County, over 150 personnel headed south last week with two dozen engines in tow, joining a growing army of firefighters numbering over 15,000, including those who have answered the call of duty from across the country, Mexico and Canada.

Four fires burning near Los Angeles have scorched over 62 square miles — an area three times the size of Manhattan — destroying thousands of homes and killing at least 24 people. The Palisades and Eaton fires already rank among the most destructive in California history.

"This is an unprecedented emergency and our neighbors in Southern California need all the help[p we can provide them as these wildfires rage out of control," said David Canepa, president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. "I am so thankful to the firefighters who run to danger when called upon whether it's in our own backyard or hundreds or even thousands of miles away."

Crews this week are bracing for another blast of Santa Ana winds, triggering multiple red flag warnings in Southern California as forecasters warned of "particularly dangerous" and critical fire conditions expected through Wednesday.

The contingent of firefighters from San Mateo County includes members from departments and agencies in San Bruno, San Mateo, Woodside, Menlo Park and Redwood City, along with teams from the North County Fire Authority, Central County Fire Department and Coastside Fire Protection District.

Cal Fire's San Mateo/Santa Cruz unit, which staffs fire stations along the coast, also assigned strike teams of wildland fire engines and hand crews to assist in SoCal.

"Conditions have been extreme," said Cecile Juliette, a Cal Fire CZU spokesperson. "The wind is very severe, but we are glad to be able to help these communities support the state's mission. We are assisting these communities that have supported us in the past."

Forecasters warned Tuesday could prove the most dangerous day of the week when hurricane-force wind gusts could reach 90 mph in some areas.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.