Bexar County crews send resources to assist efforts to combat wildfire scorching South California

SAN ANTONIO — Texas Governor Greg Abbott has asked organizations across the state to send help to the Los Angeles area amid the ongoing wildfires scorching communities. KENS 5 spoke to several of those organizations today.

They are responding as part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System and the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force. Not only are firefighters being sent but also supplies to help the victims, many of whom have lost everything. 

Chris Shadrock, the communications director for the City of Boerne told KENS 5, “Our firefighter Santiago went out and was deployed on Saturday. He left with some other firefighters from the area and they drove for two days straight, arrived in southern California yesterday and today are on the front lines.”

Two days straight because the Boerne Fire Department and their Sgt. Santiago Anaya know time can not be wasted when it comes to the devastating Palisades fire. 

“These crews are going to work for the next 24 hours helping put out those fires, especially as we know, looking towards the forecast tomorrow and Wednesday, those Santa Ana winds are projected to increase again,” said Shadrock.

Bexar County Emergency Services District 2 is also providing assistance.

“Our firefighters are proud to assist in the ongoing efforts to combat the devastating wildfires in California… Our deployment includes a task force leader, engine boss, Wildland firefighters, firefighting apparatus and emergency medical equipment to support operations on the frontlines,” Bexar County ESD District 2 said in a Facebook post.

H-E-B is also helping the effort and in a statement told KENS 5:

“At H-E-B, we are committed to extending a helping hand, especially in times of need. Our hearts go out to the people, families and first responders battling the devastating wildfires raging across Greater Los Angeles. Since these fires began, H-E-B has stayed close to the situation, looking for ways to support critical outreach. H-E-B is sending six truckloads of needed essentials to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, which is part of the Feeding America network, with urgently needed items such as water, food, masks, hygiene kits and other supplies. Additionally, we’ve committed $1 million to support nonprofits in their recovery efforts. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and additional opportunities to provide support.”

The Red Cross is helping too. Betsy Calderon, regional communications manager for the Red Cross Texas Region said, “We have four volunteers who have deployed, so three of them are from Austin and one of them is from San Antonio who have deployed to go help over there and four are on standby.” 

To help donate to the Red Cross and assist the wildfire victims you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS, text CAWILDFIRES to 9099 or go to the website here. You can also find opportunities to volunteer locally or in California by visiting the website here.