What's happening?
The local deployment group of firefighters from Houston, Baytown, Conroe, Needham and North Montgomery County fire departments will be led by Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz.
Muñoz was appointed by Houston Mayor John Whitmire in July and previously served as the city's coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. He has experience in emergency operations, search and rescue, and hazardous material.
"It is a privilege to lead this group of dedicated firefighters," Muñoz said in the release. "We are showing up for our brothers and sisters during their time of need the same way they have for us."
According to the release, the Houston area firefighters are anticipated to stay for 14 days, but may be extended up to 21 days, if necessary.
Zooming out
The Houston firefighters are part of a statewide task force of wildland firefighters deployed by Gov. Greg Abbott last week.
Abbott announced Jan. 11 that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas A&M Forest Service to deploy more than 135 firefighters, emergency management and medical personnel to assist with wildfire response efforts. In addition to personnel, Texas also sent more than 45 fire engines, ambulances, command vehicles and equipment to the California crews.
Current situation
California firefighters have been combating a series of severe wildfires since Jan. 7. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, there are more than 10-plus acres of wildfires ongoing in the southern part of the state. As of Jan. 13, the stats included:
- 20,967 total emergency responses
- 124 wildfires
- 40,588 acres burned
- 13 fatalities
- 12,300-plus structures destroyed
"Please keep the men and women close to your hearts as they bravely face this disaster, and continue to pray for those impacted in the Los Angeles area," Muñoz said.
