Three Killeen firefighters, Jason Wuest, Marcus Stillwell, and Chris Poston, returned home following a two-week deployment to Los Angeles County. The brave team was part of the efforts to assist with wildfire coverage that resulted in evacuation orders for 200,000 residents.

The Killeen Fire Department (KFD) team was deployed to Los Angeles as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request. This initiative is a national mutual aid system connected with the Texas Division of Emergency Management agency, allowing states to aid each other during emergencies.

In addition to the Killeen firefighters, more than 135 Texas emergency personnel, including firefighters, medical staff, and emergency management officials, have been deployed to California. Over 45 emergency vehicles, including fire engines and ambulances, were also sent as part of a coordinated response led by Governor Greg Abbott. This effort underscores the broad support from Texas to combat wildfires and help with recovery efforts in the wake of the destruction.

National news outlets have reported that on January 7th, at least four major wildfires ignited across Los Angeles County. Tragically, at least 28 people lost their lives, and the fires have covered nearly 50,000 acres, destroying at least 20,000 structures. Fortunately, each fire is now at least 90% contained.