SDF-trained human remains detection (HRD) team Jon Munguia & Clifford of Los Angeles County Fire Department and live-find SDF-trained teams Josh Davis & Bosco and Garreth Miller & Reva of California Task Force 3 (CA-TF3), and Patrick Easton & Linus and Eric Lieuwen & Ridge of California Task Force 7 (CA-TF7) have deployed to the Los Angeles fires along with their teammates to assist in the aftermaths of the blazes that have devastated the region in recent days.
The first incident in this series of wildfires started around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, with the Eaton fire in Altaden and the Hurst fire in Sylmar starting later that same day. Since then, numerous other wildfires have ignited all over Los Angeles County, aided by dry conditions and driven by high-speed and erratic winds.
With gusts reaching 100 mph in some areas, air support to combat the fires was severely limited or grounded altogether in the first crucial hours after the fires started, hindering firefighting efforts and allowing the blazes to spread rapidly. Although the worst of the windstorm has passed, fire weather warnings remain in effect for Los Angeles County for the next several days, making containment more difficult.
Due to the size and ferocity of these fires, Los Angeles County has asked for and received help from numerous other agencies across the state. According to the Governor’s office, approximately 7,500 state personnel are currently on the ground in Southern California, working with local and federal partners to respond to these historic wildfires. Additional personnel, equipment, and support also continue to arrive from other states across the country.
Our hearts go out to all those affected by these devastating fires that have swept through many parts of Los Angeles. The intensity, speed and destructiveness is unlike anything this area has ever seen and we continue to keep everyone in our thoughts as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
We send our deepest gratitude to the many firefighters, both local and from all over the West Coast, who continue to work around-the-clock to protect lives and homes from these fires, as well as cover regular operations at fire stations throughout the cities. Be safe and thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
MEET THE BOOTS AND PAWS ON THE GROUND FOR THE LOS ANGELES FIRES:
