South King Fire firefighters are working 16 hours a day in Los Angeles County, California, suppressing fires with a truck that drove out of Federal Way.

On Jan. 10, SKF announced on Facebook that four of its firefighters in a reserve engine deployed with several other agencies from King County to aid in suppressing the wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Since then, on Jan. 14, they reported that the firefighters got some rest after working 30 hours assisting with the Palisades fire and have continued working 16-hour days as they provide assistance to those affected.

The agency reported that they sent Lt. Willet, Engineer Dupras, Engineer Morris and Firefighter Cark. The firefighters could be gone for 18 days protecting a community that desperately needs help, according to South King Fire.

“We thank them for their courage and sacrifice to step up and take on this task. We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to their loved ones who will manage the households without them for several days,” the department reported. “A lot of work has gone into this deployment already, and none of that could have been done without the work of several individuals from Lt. Werner, our Wildland Team Leader, to finance fleet, Special Operations Chief Anderson, and many more. We look forward to your safe return!”

Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement Jan. 8 after California’s request for assistance. The state’s Emergency Management Division is working with fire departments across the state to coordinate nine task forces made up of 45 engines, 11 trucks and 146 personnel, Inslee said. Additionally, the state’s Department of Natural Resources is sending additional fire equipment and personnel.

“As wildfires ravage parts of Southern California, our thoughts are with those affected by this devastating disaster,” Inslee said. “The destruction has been immense, and the brave men and women on the front lines are putting their lives at risk to protect communities and save lives.

“I have been in touch with Gov. (Gavin) Newsom and have assured him that Washington stands ready to do whatever we can to assist in this crisis. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated firefighters and first responders from Washington state who have volunteered to assist in the fight against these fires. Their selflessness and commitment to helping others, regardless of state lines, is a testament to the strength of our shared values and the spirit of service that defines us.”