In a seemingly rare showing of cross-party cooperation, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott is putting politics aside to help out the state of California by sending more firefighters as it deals with an intense wildfire season.
Millions of Californians have been put under air quality alerts since wildfire season started and firefighters are struggling while working around the clock to contain multiple huge blazes.
Deploying to California
Multiple fire departments located in North Texas are sending trained firefighters to help colleagues in California who are tirelessly working to stop the advance of wildfires in the Golden State.
“I feel privileged to come help and I’m thankful to them for calling us to come help. It gives us experience to work with guys that do this quite often,” said Richard Morrison, an engineer for Fort Worth Fire Dept.
California Wildfires
The wildfire statistics for this season in California have been historic in many areas.
According to the Los Angeles Times, wildfires in the state have already burned 30 times as many acres as all of last year, and with still time to go in the season.
Leaving Families Behind
Some Texas firefighters are sacrificing valuable time with their families leaving to help combat the fires in California.
“I spent time with the kids — we kept them up extra late last night,” said Morrison. “They understand and don’t understand at the same time. But they’re happy and they’re proud that I’m going.”
Bringing Equipment
Beyond just bringing extra working power to help combat the blaze, crews are also bringing vehicles, brush trucks, and other essential equipment needed to put out the fires.
“We’re the same. It doesn’t matter what state or what part of the world you go to, our attitudes and our willingness to help, our servant’s heart — it’s the same across the world,” said Craig Trojacek, PIO for Fort Worth Fire Department.
Abbott’s Announcment
On the social media platform X, Governor Abbott released a statement calling for cooperation during the crisis.
“Texas is deploying firefighters and resources to assist with wildfire response efforts in California. Our country is stronger when we come together in times of crisis,” Abbott wrote. “Join Cecilia and me in prayer for the brave first responders battling these destructive wildfires.”
Press Release
In a news statement released by the governor’s office, Abbott outlined the urgency of the situation.
“Texans understand the urgency of responding to wildfires, and our country is stronger when we come together in times of crisis,” said Abbott. “I am grateful for all the firefighters and emergency management personnel as they answer the call to protect their fellow Americans.”
Newsom Thanks Abbott
In response to Abbott’s support, California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his thanks to him and the firefighters coming to aid his state.
“Thank you to Texas and @GregAbbott_TX for sending aid while California battles wildfires across our state,” Newsom wrote on X.
Surprise from Critics
Underneath Newsom’s post, many of his normal critics took time to express surprise at the governor’s genuine expression of thanks.
“Wait… Did Newsom just say something that was actually genuine? I thought the ground felt like it was getting cold this morning,” said one X user. “I like the camaraderie here between California and Texas,” said another user.
Both Sides Surprised
Other users were more surprised at Abbott’s act of kindness, who has been recently criticized for his response to disasters in Texas like Hurricane Beryl.
“More like… Greg Abbott actually did something that wasn’t self-serving or evil?” said X user Cindy M. “Class act for once,” said X user Jason Nancarrow.
Ex-Californians
Despite political differences, some commenters pointed out that Texas now has an interesting bond with California given a recent influx of former Golden State residents who have come to live in the Lone Star State.
“Texas has taken a lot of ex-Californians fleeing abject mismanagement. Many Texans have family there. Abbott is doing the right thing to help. Now, CA should learn how to manage their resources,” said an X user.
Moving States
According to 2022 census data, the highest number of new Texans entering the state came from California. That year, 102,000 Californians moved to the Lone Star State, over 2 times the number of their next top destination: Florida.
In 2023, Texas was crowned the fastest-growing state in America, growing by nearly half a million people in one year.
