Pierce County Firefighters Assist in LA Wildfire Response

Firefighters from Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula are on the front lines of the Palisades fire in Los Angeles, assisting efforts that have seen the fire consume nearly 24,000 acres and destroy close to 3,000 structures. The team, which includes Lt. Adam Morse, drove to Los Angeles on January 9, 2025, joining a broader strike team from Washington state. Morse described the damage as unlike anything he has witnessed before, referencing the Carlton Complex wildfire in 2014 as a comparison that falls short of the devastation in LA. Currently, the crew is focused on protecting structures in the Bel-Air area and ensuring that no evacuated residents have returned to their homes.

They are operating under "red flag warnings," indicating heightened fire risk and the potential for increased activity. The firefighters are expected to stay for at least two weeks, with discussions about extending their deployment based on the situation. Their work is supported by a mix of local and national resources, including firefighters from various states and urban search-and-rescue teams. The mission has drawn significant community support, with supplies being donated to assist first responders.