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The Palisades fire has burned thousands of acres and killed at least two people.

LOS ANGELES — The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said Wednesday it is sending a team of firefighters to help with the Palisades fire in Los Angeles, which has burned thousands of acres and killed at least two people.

According to the DNR, 35 firefighters and 10 fire engines left for Los Angeles Wednesday morning to assist with relief.

Puget Sound Fire said two engines from Puget Sound Fire, one from Valley Regional Fire, South King Fire and Rescue and the Seattle Fire Department, as well as a strike team leader from Eastside Fire and Rescue left for California on Thursday morning. A four-man engine crew with the Shoreline Fire Department left Thursday morning as well.

Agencies from neighboring states, including Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona, are also deploying personnel and equipment.

The wildfires roaring through the Los Angeles area left neighborhoods in ruins Wednesday and threatened landmarks made famous by Hollywood. Desperate residents escaped through flames, hurricane-force winds and towering columns of smoke.

Three major blazes erupted Tuesday blanketing the city with a dangerous, thick cloud of smoke and ash and destroying homes across the metropolitan area, from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, home of the famed Rose Parade. One of the fires was the most destructive in the modern history of the city of LA.

With thousands of firefighters already attacking the flames, the Los Angeles Fire Department put out a plea for off-duty and out-of-state firefighters to help. The strong winds had temporarily stopped aircraft from dumping water from above until they were able to resume flights.

More than 1,000 structures were destroyed and numerous people were hurt in the fires, including first responders, according to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.

Red Cross Northwest said it has three disaster volunteers on standby in case they are needed. In California, the Red Cross said it is working to make sure people affected by the fire have a safe place to stay and be cared for.

Meanwhile, nonprofit organizations are stepping up to provide vital supplies. Workers at World Vision’s warehouse in Fife, Washington, were seen loading a semi-truck with emergency items bound for Los Angeles on Wednesday. Roberta Taylor, site manager for World Vision, detailed the contents of the shipment.

“We’ve packed water, food, diapers, masks, blankets, and air mattresses—all essential supplies requested by those on the ground,” Taylor said.

The truck is expected to arrive in Los Angeles by the end of the week.

Taylor expressed gratitude for the community’s response to the crisis.

“It’s amazing to see people activate when there’s a disaster,” Taylor said. “Just knowing there are compassionate hearts out there willing to help makes a big difference.”

California fire officials have been dealing with three major fires that have already consumed thousands of acres. A “significant wind event” has made containment efforts particularly challenging. Hundreds of firefighters from Northern California have been repositioned to aid in the firefighting efforts, but the scale of the disaster necessitated assistance from out-of-state crews.

The Palisades Fire, one of the largest fires currently burning, has spread to over 10,000 acres since igniting on Tuesday. Officials have prioritized protecting lives over property, working around the clock to establish containment lines.

In addition to firefighting resources, President Joe Biden has called on the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy to provide further support. California’s mutual aid compacts with other states have been instrumental in quickly bringing additional personnel and equipment to the fire zones.

Taylor said financial donations are the best way for the public to contribute.

“We’re a Christian humanitarian organization focused on helping children, but in situations like this, we respond broadly to support entire communities,” Taylor said. “It’s heartbreaking to see the photos of devastation, but it’s heartwarming to know help is on the way.”

Officials expect Thursday to be a significant deployment day for many agencies, with final preparations and staffing plans being made today. As the fires continue to burn, responders and volunteers remain committed to supporting the affected communities for as long as necessary.

In a joint briefing Wednesday, Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom discussed the severity of the situation. Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the state, promising federal assistance.

“We’re prepared to do anything and everything it takes to contain these fires and help rebuild. It’s going to be a long road ahead,” Biden said.

How you can help with the Palisades fire