MN DNR firefighters helping fight Los Angeles area wildfires

Firefighters from Minnesota are heading to fight multiple active wildfires across Southern California that scorched over 50,000 acres across three counties. 

Gov. Tim Walz announces Minnesotans joining firefight

Sending local help: :

The new wildfires are stretching already thin resources across Southern California.

Governor Tim Walz announced Minnesota firefighters will be joining the effort. 

A crew of 10 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildland firefighters answered the call to help fellow emergency responders. The DNR crew departed from the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in Grand Rapids on Friday morning.

"Minnesota stands with Southern California and will do whatever we can to help the thousands of families impacted by wildfires," said Gov. Walz. "I am immensely proud of our emergency responders who are stepping up and providing critical support. They are protecting communities and saving lives."

Timeline:

Crews are working tirelessly to fully contain and clean up the areas devastated by the two largest wildfires in Los Angeles County. The Palisades and Eaton Fires broke out on Jan. 7.

Several new infernos have ignited since. The Hughes Fire started on Wednesday just north of Los Angeles. Nearby in San Diego and Ventura Counties, crews are also battling flames that started on Thursday.

With several blazes still smoldering, the National Weather Service (NWS) said rain is expected in Southern California over the weekend.

Officials said the rain could bring much needed relief for firefighters, but also presents new risks, including mudslides and harmful ash flowing into the ocean. People worry the already charred hillsides and grounds could be in danger of giving way.

What you can do:

The latest information on the California wildfires can be found here

The Source: Office of Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Cal Fire, Los Angeles Fire Department, Pasadena Fire, City of Los Angeles, National Weather Service (NWS) 

WildfiresCaliforniaTim WalzMinnesota DNR