UPDATE (12/8/17 9:35 a.m.): As of Friday morning Kern County Fire said they have 120 personnel throughout the state of California helping with the wildfires, majority of which are at the Thomas Fire.
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Thousands of firefighters are battling multiple wildfires in southern California, and they're being aided by firefighters from Kern County.
Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall says around 80 of his firefighters are helping battle the southern California Wildfires, removing about 15% of his force from Kern County.
The department sent firefighters who are on the front lines, hand crews and managers to help. Marshall says his crews are often looked to to lead the charge.
"Kern County Firefighters have a great reputation around the United States for their ability to manage emergency incidents," Marshall said.
KCFD crews regularly respond to disasters outside Kern County; in fact, Marshall estimated that hundreds, if not thousands of KCFD personnel have been on the front lines outside Kern County just this year alone.
The experience also helps local crews be prepared for anything that might strike Kern County.
"Then they come back here, and when we have an Erskine Fire, our firefighters are protecting the home front and that training is invaluable," Marshall said.
The chief said that seasonal firefighters are pitching in to fill the holes as crews continue to help down south. With windy fire conditions expected this week, Marshall said they've also added additional crews in Kern County in case of a local wildfire.
