As part of a statewide Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) deployment, the State of Texas is sending 97 Firefighters—including five from the Austin Fire Department—to Northern California as part of an emergency management request due to the wildfires currently ravaging that part of the state.
AFD expects them to be gone at least two weeks, maybe longer.
In addition to manpower, Texas is sending 31 pieces of equipment, including two AFD TIFMAS Trucks and one AFD Command Vehicle. Other fire departments from Central Texas who are also participating include Round Rock, Bryan, College Station, and one member from Oak Hill.
This is the first time in Texas’ history that resources have been sent out of state specifically to deal with wildfires.
