ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico fire departments are sending wildland firefighting personnel to help put out Southern California fires.
The Albuquerque Journal reports five fire departments sent six wildland firetrucks and 18 firefighters to the Chino Hills-area emergency command center in Southern California on Thursday.
Albuquerque Fire Department Lt. Brian Fox says California asked for aid Wednesday morning under an agreement between states to share emergency resources.
Departments in Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Bernalillo County, Corrales and Sandoval County signed up to help.
According to the Interim Fire Chief Gil Santistevan, the New Mexico fire departments will be reimbursed through federal funds.
He says their local operations will not be impacted.
Officials expect the crews to return to New Mexico by Christmas.
