Oregon Strike Teams Deployed to San Diego County to Combat Lilac Fire

San Diego County, California- Two Oregon strike teams have been assigned to assist in fighting the Lilac Fire near Bonsall, California. Strike Team 17 from Linn County and Strike Team 18 from Clackamas County, both consisting of water tenders, were mobilized overnight and are now working alongside California resources to combat the wildfire, which has prompted evacuations for nearby residents.

“These two strike teams were mobilized at 3 a.m. and quickly engaged with the fire to support the initial attack,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “They are working seamlessly with our CAL FIRE partners as we carry out our shared mission of protecting lives and property.”

The Lilac Fire is part of a broader emergency response in Southern California, with Oregon deploying six water tender strike teams on January 11 for a two-week assignment. This deployment is Oregon’s largest out-of-state effort to date, involving 21 strike teams, 370 firefighters, and 105 apparatus sent to assist with historic wildfires in the region.

Over the weekend, Fire Marshal Ruiz-Temple visited Southern California to meet with CAL FIRE officials, tour fire-affected areas, and speak with Oregon firefighters about their experiences. She praised the collaborative efforts between states.

“Firefighters from across the country are working around the clock to support these communities,” Ruiz-Temple said. “I thank them, their communities, and their families who support their efforts during this deployment. The ability to share resources across state lines ensures states have the extra capacity needed during critical times.”

The interstate resource sharing is facilitated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid agreement among states. Under the agreement, the requesting state reimburses local fire agencies for all costs incurred.

As the Lilac Fire continues to challenge local and regional resources, the contributions of Oregon’s strike teams highlight the importance of cooperation in addressing emergencies that cross state lines.