Five members of the Seaside Fire Department and three members of the Gearhart Fire Department have been deployed with the Clatsop County Task Force, and are on the way to California to assist with the wildfire operations in northern California, the department reported this week.

The firefighters headed to Santa Rosa, California, according to Gearhart firefighter Chad Sweet.

“Gearhart is proud to join other Clatsop County fire departments, as well as departments from around the state to send resources to California to assist with their ongoing fire threat,” the department reported. “During our summer, the state of California sent resources to Oregon to assist us in our fight, we are proud to be able to return the favor and hope we can make a difference. Let’s all hope for a speedy and safe return of our state and local firefighters.”

All 10 strike teams the Oregon State Fire Marshal has sent south to assist with the wildfires in California are actively engaged on a 24-hour work cycle protecting homes and other structures.

According to the state fire marshal, Five strike teams from Clatsop/Columbia counties, Lane County, Linn/Benton counties,, and Yamhill County have been assigned to the Central LNU Complex covering Sonoma, Lake, and Napa counties.

Five strike teams from Washington County, Multnomah County, Marion County, Jackson/Josephine counties, and Klamath/Deschutes counties are assigned to the Southern LNU complex covering Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties.

California continues to bring in additional resources. In addition to Oregon, resources have come from Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona.

“Take the time to thank any of your volunteers,” Seaside City Manager Mark Winstanley said. “It’s a very, very serious fire and very difficult to handle. Keep them in your prayers.”