While daytime highs across Idaho flirt with freezing, Los Angeles is parked in the low 80s and getting blown away with gusting Santa Ana winds. The dry heat and sustained windy conditions are primary drivers of the numerous fires engulfing the region.
“While it may be quiet across much of the country, California – this is their typical fire season,” says National Interagency Fire Center spokeswoman Robyn Broyles.
She says the Golden State has put out a call for assistance in dealing with all the fires burning from north of LA to around San Diego by the Mexican border.
“Idaho is sending two helicopters, ten engines and radio equipment with two aircraft,” she says.
Over a dozen volunteer firefighters from around Idaho have signed up to go to California and be on the fire lines there. The volunteers are set to be away for two weeks, but that could be extended given the outlook.
“Right now, it looks like there isn’t going to be much end in sight for California, unfortunately,” says Broyles.
Boise-based NIFC has sent resources from around the nation to California. In addition to Idaho’s contributions, they’ve sent seven hand crews and 159 engines.
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