TEXAS — Gov. Abbott announced Saturday the deployment of Texas firefighters, emergency and medical personnel and equipment to aid California’s wildfire response.

“Texans know all too well the devastation wildfires can cause to our communities, and our country is stronger when we come together in times of crisis,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy firefighters, fire engines, and firefighting equipment to help our fellow Americans battle these wildfires. I thank all the brave firefighters and first responders who are answering the call to help Californians in need as these fires continue to burn.”

Over 135 emergency personnel (firefighters, EMTs, etc.) and more than 45 pieces of equipment (fire engines, ambulances, etc.) are being deployed to California.

A series of destructive wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area have killed at least 11 people. The true death toll is not known, authorities said, as fires destroyed entire streets and more than 12,000 structures.

The rapidly spreading wildfires across Los Angeles are being driven by strong Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation resulting from absent rainfall.

The wildfires in Los Angeles have resulted in many deaths, but the final count remains uncertain.

On Friday afternoon, firefighters made their first progress against the Eaton Fire, which has burned over 7,000 structures north of Pasadena.