31 Washington Fire Departments Send Crews To California

SEATTLE, WA — Washington is sending seven taskforces to California as firefighters there grapple with more than a dozen wildfires burning throughout the state. The Washington teams are comprised of firefighters from 31 fire departments around our state, including Seattle Fire, Eastside Fire & Rescue, and Valley Regional Fire Authority.

The fires burning in Northern and Southern California have already charred thousands of acres, evacuated hundreds of thousands and prompted a statewide emergency declaration. The Kincaid Fire —the largest blaze — scorched almost 55,000 acres since igniting Wednesday, destroyed almost 100 structures and is just 5 percent contained. Firefighters are also contending with historic "Diablo winds," with gusts near the Kincaid fire hitting 96 mph on Sunday.

In Southern California, where several fires are burning, Santa Ana winds brought gusts that hit 60 mph. With more wind events on the horizon, Pacific Gas & Electric Company announced another round of planned blackouts Tuesday that could again cut power to hundreds of thousands.