Governor Gavin Newsom announced Aug. 4, 2026, that California is deploying additional CAL FIRE engines and specialized rapid extraction teams to Washington and Oregon to assist with ongoing wildfires. The deployment aims to support neighbors facing severe fire conditions while ensuring California maintains sufficient resources to protect its own communities.
Specialized Rescue Teams Deployed
The new deployment includes 20 CAL FIRE engines and four California-based Rapid Extraction Module Support teams. These specialized teams, which provide rescue and emergency medical support to crews in dangerous conditions, are being sent through the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Three of these four-person teams are heading to Oregon to assist with the Coleman Creek and Second Flat fires, while one team is being sent to Washington to support the Little Flat and Dirty Face fires.
The specialized Rapid Extraction Module Support teams consist of highly trained personnel from the Orange County Fire Authority, the Los Angeles City Fire Department, the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, and the Corona Fire Department. These specialists are tasked with providing critical medical and rescue assistance to frontline crews operating under hazardous wildfire conditions.
Regional Support Efforts
Since July 16, 2026, Cal OES has coordinated the deployment of 380 personnel and 60 fire engines and water tenders to assist with firefighting efforts in Oregon and Washington. These deployments utilize the Emergency Management Assistance Compact process, which facilitates the immediate and expedient movement of firefighters, mechanics, chief officers, and support personnel between states.
Logistical and Base Camp Support
The California Conservation Corps (CCC) is also providing support for base camp operations at four different fires across Washington and Oregon. A total of 117 CCC members and staff are working with the U.S. Forest Service to manage supply distribution and maintain camps, ensuring that fire crews receive necessary care before and after their shifts on the fire line. This year, the CCC has assisted with nine California wildfire base camps and has also deployed crews to Colorado and Idaho.
Climate Change and Mutual Aid
Governor Newsom stated that the decision to deploy resources is driven by the accelerating impacts of climate change, which continue to reshape landscapes and threaten communities. "We believe in science, and we also believe in our own eyes," Newsom said. "Across the globe, the accelerating impacts of climate change are reshaping lives, threatening homes, and destroying entire communities. California knows the devastation of catastrophic wildfires, and we are standing with our neighbors."
Expanding Mutual Aid Partnerships
California's recent firefighting deployments have been part of a broader strategy to support western states through mutual aid agreements like the Northwest Compact. This agreement allows for the sharing of leadership, equipment, and personnel among western states and Canadian provinces when local resources are overwhelmed. In addition to regional support, California has extended technical assistance to French emergency and fire officials to share best practices regarding incident management and wildfire modeling.
A Legacy of Support Unfolding
The state has maintained a high level of activity in supporting other jurisdictions, including a recent deployment to Colorado marking the first time CAL FIRE used the National Association of State Foresters state-to-state partnership for such a mission. California has also provided disaster response and support to various locations, including Hawaii, Alaska, Texas, and Puerto Rico.
