The Humanitarian Aid Group ‘CEHUI,’ from Mexico, has arrived at the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) camp of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) to assist in combating the California fires.
This team is composed of over 70 members from the Secretariat of National Defense, the National Forestry Commission, Civil Protection, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all with extensive experience in emergency response.
On Wednesday, the Mexican firefighters will deploy to carry out search and rescue operations in the wildfires affecting the Los Angeles region.
According to Mexican authorities, another group of firefighters was deployed on Saturday, January 11, to Palisades. The recently arrived Mexican firefighters in Los Angeles will work 12-hour shifts, focusing specifically on the Topanga Canyon area.
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What type of personnel did Mexico send to help fight the California wildfires?
The team includes firefighters, military specialists, doctors, engineers, and search and rescue personnel.
Gene Simmons of Kiss Thanks Claudia Sheinbaum for Support in California Wildfires
The Mexican government’s support did not go unnoticed in the U.S. community. In addition to California authorities, musician Gene Simmons, a member of the band Kiss, expressed his gratitude to President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
“A big thank you to Mexico’s new, impressive President Claudia Sheinbaum for sending Mexico’s best firefighters to help LA battle these monstrous fires”, he wrote on his social media accounts.
Gene Simmons’ message was echoed by his fans, who posted comments thanking Mexico for its solidarity.
What’s Happening in Los Angeles? California fires UPDATE
The wildfire, which marks one week since it began this Tuesday, has experienced flare-ups in certain areas due to strong winds. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), significant progress has been made in containing the wildfires in the Los Angeles region.
Current Wildfire Status:
- Palisades Fire: 14% contained; 23,713 acres burned.
- Eaton Fire: 33% contained; 14,117 acres burned.
- Hurst Fire: 95% contained; 799 acres burned.
Another wildfire, named the Auto Fire, began Monday night in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles. This fire spans 22 hectares and currently has no containment. Authorities are working to prevent its spread.
Although much smaller compared to other active wildfires in Southern California, such as the Palisades Fire (9,600 hectares) and the Eaton Fire (5,700 hectares), the Auto Fire raises concerns because it started in the Santa Clara Riverbed. Firefighters have confirmed that the blaze remains confined to the riverbed and does not threaten nearby structures.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and no injuries have been reported. However, authorities warn of a high risk of new fires or the intensification of existing ones due to the strong Santa Ana winds forecasted for the coming days.
Damage from California Wildfires
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has reported a total of 24 deaths related to the fires. Additionally, approximately 13 million people are under a red flag warning for a “particularly dangerous situation,” indicating an extremely high risk of rapid fire spread.
This morning, the Santa Ana winds are expected to peak, with gusts ranging between 80 and 120 km/h and relative humidity levels dropping to just 10%–25%.
The most affected areas include Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, San Fernando, Fillmore, and Pyramid Lake, where critical conditions are expected to intensify throughout the day.
