The Oregon State Fire Marshal wants to clear up confusion about state firefighters and equipment sent to Southern California last week to help with the wildfires.
There has been some misinformation spreading on social media and from some news outlets claiming the deployed equipment had to pass California emissions tests, and that Oregon crews and equipment were turned away or delayed.
Oregon firefighters left the state last Wednesday from various locations in the state -- including Southern Oregon. These strike teams traveled to Sacramento where they stayed the night. Early Thursday morning, they went through a routine safety check with Cal Fire to make sure the engines were technically sound.
Oregon strike teams were scheduled to arrive in the Los Angeles area on Thursday. There was no delay in the process or travel. Firefighting equipment is held to the highest standards to ensure the safety of firefighters.
No Oregon engine was turned away. All 15 teams completed the safety checks and they all arrived in Southern California on Thursday to begin their 24-hour shifts early Friday morning.
