The Office of the Governor of the State of California

01/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/11/2025 18:57

Governor Newsom welcomes firefighters from Mexico to boost firefighting capacity

Jan 11, 2025

Governor Newsom welcomes firefighters from Mexico to boost firefighting capacity

What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today met with 72 highly skilled firefighters and emergency personnel from Mexico, augmenting the already comprehensive response effort underway to fight Los Angeles fires.

Los Angeles, California - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced additional international support from Mexico's firefighting resources, increasing the already robust capacity of first responders on the ground. More than 70 firefighters and disaster relief workers from the National Forestry Commission and Ministry of Defense in Mexico today have arrived in Los Angeles to augment the capacity of local efforts.

Emergencies have no borders - we are deeply grateful to our neighbors in Mexico for their unwavering support during one of our greatest times of need. Thank you to President Claudia Sheinbaum for lending the best of the best

Governor Gavin Newsom

Specifically, the firefighters will form handcrews to assist in firefighting operations, working with the state's now 14,000 personnel, including firefighters, guard service members, highway patrol officers and transportation teams to support the ongoing firefight.

Get help today

Los Angeles wildfire survivors can go to CA.gov/LAfires- a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • By calling 800-621-3362
  • By using the FEMA smart phone application
  • Assistance is available in over 40 languages
  • If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Recent news

California provides tax relief for those affected by Los Angeles wildfires

Jan 11, 2025

News What you need to know: In wake of the recent wildfires, the state is offering taxpayers in Los Angeles County a postponement on filing 2024 tax returns and making tax payments that would have been due between January 7 and October 15, 2025. LOS ANGELES - Governor...

Governor Newsom doubles California National Guard deployment to Los Angeles fires

Jan 11, 2025

News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today announced he is doubling the California National Guard deployment to aid in firefighting and public safety resources deployed to fight the Los Angeles Fires. Los Angeles, California - Governor Gavin Newsom today...

Governor Newsom issues executive order supporting ongoing Los Angeles firefight

Jan 10, 2025

News LOS ANGELES - Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order to support the state's ongoing response to the hurricane-force firestorm in Southern California. The executive order adds critical flexibilities for health care and emergency workers, schools,...