GREAT FALLS — Montana Firefighters from Helena and Whitefish will depart Tuesday to help battle wildfires in California. The teams are headed to Southern California and will be part of a multi-state effort to contain the fires.
According to Helena officials, two Type 6 wildland trucks and six firefighters will be deployed for 18 days.
The Whitefish Fire Department will be sending three firefighters and the wildland fire truck.
Whitefish will be leaving as soon as they finish loading the truck while Helena leaders say two city crews will depart on Tuesday.
A news release from the City of Helena says the request was approved by the Governor and facilitated through Montana Disaster and Emergency Services.
The Whitefish Department's Facebook page shared photos of the team loading their trucks and many members of the community showed support and wish them well in their travels.
The Bigfork Fire Department also sent a vehicle and crew which left Monday for California.
"We wish our crew the best of luck, and a safe return on this assignment," the Bigfork Fire Department said in a social media post.
As of Tuesday morning more than 25 million California residents faced dangerous fire weather conditions.
