Mexican firefighters and military personnel are en route to Los Angeles to assist in battling the catastrophic wildfires threatening the city, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Friday.
“We’re sending a support team to Los Angeles,” Sheinbaum confirmed during her morning press briefing.
The team comprises National Forestry Commission firefighters and disaster relief specialists from the Ministry of Defense. The deployment follows discussions between Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente and officials from the United States and California.
The president explained that the team is finalizing the necessary immigration processes to enter the U.S.
“We’re stepping in not only because generosity is a hallmark of Mexico’s people and government, but also because many Mexicans live in this region,” Sheinbaum said.
The deployment comes as Los Angeles grapples with widespread wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, which has overwhelmed local firefighting resources. The blazes have destroyed thousands of structures and claimed at least ten lives.
While firefighters have made some progress in containment, much of Los Angeles County remains under a red flag warning, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Mexico’s Consul General in Los Angeles, Carlos González Gutiérrez, urged affected Mexicans to seek assistance by contacting the Mexican Consulate at 213-219-0175. In a video message, he also emphasized the importance of relying on official information, preparing evacuation plans, and keeping essential documents like passports ready.
As of Friday, no reports indicate that any Mexicans have perished in the fires, which have consumed tens of thousands of acres across the region. Mexican authorities reaffirm their commitment to supporting Los Angeles during this crisis.