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Lubbock Fire Rescue deploying crew to battle California fires

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal - 8/8/2018

Aug. 07--Lubbock Fire Rescue is deploying four firefighters to assist crews from around the country who are battling multiple wildfires in California, including a pair of blazes that have combined to become the largest in state history.

The four Lubbock firefighters are members of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) team and are going to Northern California, according to an LFR news release.

During their 14 day deployment, the crew will work with 93 other Texas firefighters and 31 pieces of equipment from 32 local Texas fire departments.

Twin fires in Northern California being treated as one are the largest wildfire in state history and by Tuesday had scorched 455 square miles -- nearly the size of the city of Los Angeles, according to the Associated Press.

More than 14,000 firefighters are battling more than a dozen major blazes throughout California, state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Scott McLean told the AP.

The state of California agreed to reimburse Texas and local governments for all costs associated with the deployment, according to Lubbock Fire Rescue.

TIFMAS was established by the Texas Legislature and provides all hazard responses with over 5,000 local firefighters.

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(c)2018 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Lubbock, Texas)

Visit the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Lubbock, Texas) at www.lubbockonline.com

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