According to Oregon and California’s fire departments, trucks were stopped in Davis, California, just outside Sacramento, for maintenance and safety checks, and those trucks continued onward. Photos and news coverage confirm that trucks from other states were assisting firefighters in Los Angeles.
California’s firefighting agency did not reject firetrucks sent from Oregon to help with the Los Angeles fires, contrary to online posts saying the vehicles were not deployed because they didn’t meet California’s strict emissions standards.
Misinformation about Oregon fire trucks being denied entry into California to fight wildfires has been debunked by The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Oregon firefighters who journeyed to Los Angeles to assist with the response to the devastating wildfires that began earlier in January are headed home after a two-week deployment.
"Out-of-state fire trucks take part in 15 minute safety & equipment inspection to ensure no issues with the vehicle," the site read. "At the time of the original post, the Oregon firefighting teams were already in the Los Angeles area battling the blazes."
Two weeks after being sent to Southern California to deal with the Los Angeles fires, 17 of Oregon's 21 strike teams are heading home.
After Oregon sent 300 firefighters and 75 engines to help fight the LA fires this week, rumors began circulating that equipment and crews had been stopped for emissions testing.
Oregon has sent hundreds of firefighters, 75 fire engines and other equipment to help battle the blazes in Southern California. But social media posts falsely claim Oregon's firefighting vehicles were "being held in Sacramento for emissions testing.
Klamath Tribes Wildland Fire Department crews are helping Los Angeles County battle the Eaton and Palisades fires.
A false claim that Oregon fire trucks were turned away from fighting fires in LA because they didn't have emissions certificates for California has gone up in smoke.
Strike teams of Oregon firefighters wrapped up their second 24-hour shift Monday morning, helping thousands of others from around the region work to stop the flames and protect homes and structures from destructive,
Yet in L.A., prisoners themselves are bringing hope to the community. The state of California has for more than a century operated a volunteer Conservation (Fire) Camp Program, which allows eligible incarcerated persons to support local, state and federal agencies in responding to a variety of emergencies, including fires.