Washington Firefighters Remain In California As More Fires Burn

SEATTLE, WA — Fire crews from around Washington state are continuing to assist firefighters in California as several wildfires continue to burn, and new ones ignite. The Maria Fire erupted in Ventura County Thursday night, forcing 7,500 people from their homes. In Northern California, The Kincaid Fire burning in Sonoma County has burned almost 80,000 acres in a week.

Crews specially trained in wildland firefighting were deployed by 31 Washington agencies Monday. Teams include members from Eastside Fire & Rescue, who are working alongside crews from Duvall, Seattle, Bothell, and Valley Regional Fire Authority to mop up at the Kincaid Fire, reinforce fire lines and put out hot spots. As needed, crews may be reassigned to work other blazes, as critical fire warnings continue in the state.

According to the King County Fire Chief's association, all crews are "red card" certified, which requires separate training from traditional firefighting. Crews are working 12 to 24-hour shifts and could be in California as long as two weeks.