More than 150 Arizona firefighters have been sent to California to help control wildfires in the area.
The Arizona Department of Forestry said 153 people from various departments in the state are in southern California trying to tackle the flames. Crews from Avondale, Surprise, Daisy Mountain, Casa Grande, Sedona, and many more are taking part.
"It's very unique because the spread of the fire is so fast," explained Captain Kurt Walker with Peoria Fire.
Capt. Walker has 22 years of experience with Peoria Fire, and has helped fight dozens of wildfires, but he says the unrelenting Santa Ana winds make this one different.
"It's burning an acre every second or a football field every second, so it's going that quick. That's a very different challenge for us," said Capt. Walker.
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The firefighters will be assigned to wherever they are most needed once they arrive in California.
“It’s hard to fathom the amount of devastation that California has seen over the last few months. We will always be ready to assist our neighbors when needed. We are praying for California and all of the firefighters and first responders who are working so hard to protect those affected communities,” said Arizona State Forester Jeff Whitney.
Latest information about the wildfires in southern California
