Four Benton County firefighters and a fire engine are traveling to California to combat the devastating wildfires.
Jenna Kochenauer, the public information officer for Benton County Fire District 1, stated that all of the firefighters volunteered for the 18-day assignment to assist with the fires in Los Angeles County. They were scheduled to leave Thursday morning.
The fire engine would be used to protect homes and businesses, she explained. The firefighters won’t know what they’re supposed to do until they arrive in California.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the fires killed five people, destroyed over 1,100 homes, businesses, and other structures, and burned thousands of acres. Fires broke out earlier this week.
It’s unclear whether they’ll be joining other firefighters from across the state as they head to fight the fires. According to the Seattle Times, nine Puget Sound-area fire departments were staging in Snohomish County before heading south.
