Local firefighters en route to California to battle massive blazes

Firefighters from multiple Ada County crews are on their way to Southern California to help in the battle against massive, wind-blown wildfires that have shut down major roadways and forced thousands from their homes, according to KIVI-TV.

Boise Fire Department on Wednesday evening tweeted that crews and equipment would depart Thursday. BFD spokeswoman Char Jackson said firefighters headed out Thursday morning.

According to the BFD tweet, local fire agencies also sent a structure engine and a brush engine to California. Seventeen firefighters total left from Boise Fire, Kuna Fire, Meridian Fire and Star Fire departments, KIVI reported. The TV station also reports that crews expect to be in California for about two weeks.

The Sand Hollow Fire District, Parma Fire, Kuna Fire and Emmett Fire are working together on a task force to fight the fires, according to the Sand Hollow Fire District’s Facebook.

Flames from the four fires have burned hundreds of structures.

This story was originally published December 7, 2017 at 11:50 AM with the headline "Local firefighters en route to California to battle massive blazes."