As CA Firefighters Deploy, US Fire Activity Surpasses Historical Averages

PERRIS, CA — Firefighters from across the Inland Empire and Southern California are heading north to assist with a surge in wildfire activity across the Pacific Northwest as federal officials report more than 100 large blazes burning nationwide.

A regional task force designated as Strike Team 9351C left Perris over the weekend bound for Washington state, according to Cal Fire officials. The team comprises fire engines and personnel from Cal Fire's San Bernardino–Inyo–Mono Unit and the state agency's Riverside Unit.

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The firefighters have deployed on an 18-day assignment to provide initial attack support on emerging wildfires as dry, hot conditions continue to drive fire behavior in the region.

On July 31, Cal Fire announced that its Incident Management Team 4 arrived in Washington state. It was the first time in the agency's history that a Cal Fire Incident Management Team was activated to that state.

Nearly all of the most dangerous wildfires in the U.S.are burning in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Over the weekend, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson issued a statewide emergency due the blazes, including the 8,000-acre-plus Spokane Complex Fire in eastern Washington that has destroyed more than 700 structures and left thousands homeless. As of Monday morning, there was zero containment on the blaze.

Cal Fire reminded the public what local firefighters are facing as they head north.

"While many see the engines rolling down the highway, what often goes unseen are the families standing behind them," Cal Fire officials said in a social media update acknowledging the deployment. "To the spouses, children, parents, and loved ones who once again say goodbye without hesitation — thank you."

The deployment comes amid elevated national wildfire concern. According a Monday update from the National Interagency Fire Center, more than 29,200 firefighters are currently assigned to 102 large, uncontained wildfires across the country.

The national fire agency said Sunday that, nationwide, fire activity has surpassed historical averages this year.

"So far this year, 45,835 fires have burned more than 5.2 million acres across the United States, exceeding the 10-year average for both the number of fires and acres burned," according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Fire officials continue to urge residents in active fire zones to prepare early, monitor local emergency alerts, and comply immediately with evacuation orders to ensure public and firefighter safety.