BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County first responders have wrapped up their first week of fighting the devastating fires in Southern California.

South Whatcom Fire Authority (SWFA) says its four firefighters continue to work 24-to-30-hour shifts while fighting the Palisade Fire. Most of the effort has been spent on structure protection.

SWFA reports that the crew has not had much direct exposure to the fires but is instead working to mitigate risk in case a fire moves through their area. The crew, named E22, is expected to return to Whatcom County before the end of January.

So far, the Los Angeles fires have killed at least 27 people, destroyed more than 14,000 structures and burnt roughly 60 square miles. Tens of thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders.

Courtesy of South Whatcom Fire Authority
Courtesy of South Whatcom Fire Authority