PHOTOS: Los Angeles heroes on front lines of Southern California’s historic wildfires

LOS ANGELES – Southern California is grappling with a historic wave of wildfires, forcing the deployment of the National Guard to bolster firefighting efforts on Friday. 

The arrival of the CalGuard brings the total number of personnel battling the blazes to a staggering 8,000, underscoring the sheer scale of the disaster.

“Thanks to the incredible work of our first responders and emergency personnel, we’re throwing everything at our disposal – including our National Guard servicemembers – to protect communities in the days to come,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said.

HISTORIC CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES BLAMED FOR AT LEAST 10 DEATHS AS CREWS BATTLE OVER 35,000 BURNING ACRES

Members of the National Guard block entrances along New York Drive in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.

(Jill Connelly/Bloomberg / Getty Images)

Fueled by hurricane-force winds, these infernos have ravaged vast swathes of the landscape, pushing emergency responders to their limits.

A firefighter works the Eaton fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, CA.

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images)

According to the state, more than 6,200 firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the flames and protect communities. These brave men and women are not only battling exhaustion but also intense heat, choking smoke, and unpredictable fire behavior as they stand as the first line of defense.

BEFORE AND AFTER IMAGES SHOW THE EXTENT OF WILDFIRE DAMAGE AROUND LOS ANGELES

Firefighters work to put out a fire that broke out at the Altadena Golf Course Jan.09, 2025.

(Barbara Davidson / Washington Post / Getty Images)

In addition, they are risking their lives building fire lines, evacuating residents, and working around the clock to protect critical infrastructure.

Firefighters battle the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California.

(David McNew / Getty Images)

Other first responders, including paramedics, EMTs, and law enforcement officers, are working alongside firefighters, providing medical assistance to injured civilians and ensuring public safety.

CALIFORNIA MAN SCORCHED BY FLAMES TRYING TO SAVE NEIGHBORHOOD BURNING IN PALISADES FIRE

Police officers remove an elderly resident from her home during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 8, 2025. 

(ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

President Joe Biden has provided California with significant fire suppression support, including eight large air tankers,19 helicopters and dozens of engines. He also authorized increasing federal assistance to cover 100% of the state’s fire management and debris removal costs for 180 days, up from the traditional 75%.

FOX CORPORATION DONATES $1 MILLION TO HELP VICTIMS OF CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

As the fight against these historic wildfires continues, community support is more crucial than ever, state and local officials have stressed. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders, conserve water and support local relief efforts to aid those impacted by the disaster.