California clarified that fire trucks from other states were not stopped for emissions tests but for routine safety checks
Los Angeles: So, there’s been some buzz about California stopping fire trucks from other states, right? Well, it turns out that’s not quite the case. Fire trucks coming from Oregon and elsewhere were actually just going through quick 15-minute safety checks, not emissions testing.
These wildfires in Southern California have been pretty devastating, with at least 24 lives lost and thousands of people displaced. The fires kicked off on January 7 and have been fueled by those strong Santa Ana winds that just won’t quit.
Cal Fire mentioned that several states, including Oregon, sent help. But some folks on social media were claiming that California was turning away fire trucks because they didn’t pass emissions tests. A TikTok video even went viral, suggesting that 60 trucks were rejected for that reason.
But here’s the scoop: California didn’t reject any fire trucks due to emissions. The Oregon State Fire Marshal confirmed that the trucks were just undergoing routine checks to ensure everything was in good shape before heading into the fire zones.
On January 8, 15 strike teams with 300 firefighters and 75 fire engines made a pit stop in Sacramento. They went through those quick safety checks to make sure their equipment was ready for the long haul down south.
After those checks, they rolled into Southern California and got right to work. The Oregon State Fire Marshal emphasized that firefighter safety is their top priority, especially on such long trips.
Cal Fire also chimed in, stating that no out-of-state vehicles were turned away and that all had been serviced properly. They made it clear that no emissions testing was involved in the process.
Even California’s Governor Newsom’s office addressed the rumors, explaining that these safety checks are standard procedure for out-of-state fire trucks. So, there you have it—no emissions drama, just a lot of hard work to tackle those wildfires.
