NAPA COUNTY, Calif. — With hundreds of fires burning across the state, and more than 20 of them being major ones, resources are being stretched thin throughout California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom put out a call for help for other states to assist California firefighters. Cal Fire spokesman Jesse Gomez said the additional help coming from Texas, Arizona, and Nevada will be a huge sigh of relief for the men and women out on the fire lines.

What You Need To Know

  • California is battling hundreds of fires across the state, with 20 of them being major

  • Firefighters from Texas, Nevada and Arizona are providing relief for California firefighters

  • About 11,000 lightning strikes hit California last week, causing many fires

  • The governor declared a state of emergency for the state to ensure resources would be available to help combat the fires

“With more resources coming here, we’ll be able to feel a little bit better,” Gomez said. 

In addition to the state’s record-breaking heat wave, California has been hit by about 11,000 lightning strikes this week, causing hundreds of fires, including the LNU Lightning Complex fire in northern California, that has spread to five separate counties. 

Fire officials said the fast-growing fire has destroyed 480 structures. As of Friday morning, the LNU Lightning Complex fire had consumed more than 219,000 acres and is 7 percent contained. Officials say the fast-growing fire has destroyed 480 structures. 

“Having the lightning come through just made a huge hurdle for us firefighters to mitigate the fire,” Gomez added. 

Gomez explained that’s not the only issue they are facing this season. In the past, firefighters have been able to count on assistance from inmate crews, but due to a COVID-19 outbreak at a northern California prison, they have less help this year. 

“Given the fact that we’ve had multiple fires across the state, every fire is pretty stretched thin with resources,” Gomez said. 

Which is why Gomez said he’s grateful help from out of state is on the way.

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In July, Newsom announced the state would hire 858 more firefighters and six California Conservation Corps crews through October because of the pandemic. Newsom said Wednesday 830 of those firefighters have been hired. 

“California and its federal and local partners are working in lockstep to meet the challenge and remain vigilant in the face of continued dangerous weather conditions,” Newsom said. 

The governor also declared a statewide emergency this week to help ensure resources to combat the fires.