Photos, videos: Firefighters from across the U.S. and beyond join L.A. wildfire battle

LOS ANGELES — When wildfires swept through Los Angeles, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, firefighters from across the country and around the world didn’t hesitate to answer the call. Crews traveled hundreds, even thousands, of miles to join the effort, bringing not only manpower but also solidarity to the frontlines of one of California’s most devastating fire seasons in recent years.

As the flames subside and containment increases, social media has become a window into the incredible teamwork and camaraderie that defined this massive response effort. From heartfelt photos of firefighters working shoulder-to-shoulder to words of gratitude for their hosts, here’s a look at how firefighters shared their experiences and inspired communities far beyond the firelines.

Arizona

Multiple Arizona task forces were deployed to California to assist with the multiple wildfires, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said. These task forces included engines, water tenders and command staff from Arizona Forestry as well as local fire departments and districts.

Colorado

Colorado firefighters have been assisting with California’s wildfire response since the fires first broke out. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) deployed a multi-mission aircraft to provide critical intelligence to support firefighting operations on the ground on Jan. 8.

Nevada

Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, along with the Clark County and Henderson fire departments, responded quickly to the call for support from Southern California. The deployment included three engines, three engine companies, a battalion chief, an equipment technician and their assigned vehicles.

Oregon

After deploying 15 teams to California, Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple sent an additional six strike teams. These teams are made up of 30 water tenders and 70 firefighters. More than 300 firefighters from Oregon were fighting the wildfires.

Texas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott mobilized reinforcements to aid California, directing the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy firefighters and equipment to combat the wildfires. More than 130 personnel, along with 45 engines and ambulances, made the journey west earlier this week.

Houston firefighters are among the Texans deployed to California. The department shared the crew was excited to meet Jay Leno during their deployment.

Utah

More than 17 local fire stations in Utah, under the Unified Fire Authority, sent crews and resources to assist in California, FOX 13 reports. The team spent 36 hours battling the Palisades Fire before taking a day to rest and recover.

Washington

More than 220 firefighters from 11 local strike teams in Washington traveled to California to assist with wildfire efforts, FOX 13 reports. The state’s emergency management division dispatched 55 fire engines and 13 command vehicles, supplemented by 10 engines and 35 personnel from the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Help from other countries

The offers of firefighting help have extended beyond the U.S., reaching as far as Ukraine.

Canada

Sixty firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia were deployed to California.

“We’re proud to help our American friends, and grateful for the first responders working in the toughest of conditions to save homes and keep people safe,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X.

Mexico

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that more than 70 firefighters and disaster relief workers from Mexico’s National Forestry Commission and Ministry of Defense have joined the nearly 14,000 personnel battling wind-driven wildfires fueled by dry grasses.

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered to deploy 150 firefighters to assist in the wildfire fight.

“The situation there is extremely difficult, and Ukrainians can help Americans save lives,” Zelensky said.

Fires across the Los Angeles area killed at least 27 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and charred over 60 square miles. While the Kenneth, Sunset and Hurst fires reached 100% containment, the Palisades and Eaton fires continued to burn as of Jan. 17.