Florida is set to run a “multi-agency aviation exercise” in preparation for wildfire season as California grapples with several ongoing blazes.
The drill will take place in Lithia on Friday, according to officials.
“This exercise is an opportunity for local departments to practice interagency communications, coordinate multiple air resources, and practice utilizing equipment for wildfire suppression before a wildfire begins,” according to a statement by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The Florida Forest Service, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Tampa Police Department, Florida Park Service, Hillsborough County Park Service, National Weather Service, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office will participate in the drill.
Wildfire season usually begins in May and ends in November, with most blazes typically erupting in the summer months.
In Florida, there were 2,338 wildfires reported in 2024, according to the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with a total of 64,170 acres burned. While the fires in California erupted outside the typical wildfire season, the southern half of the state faced dry and windy conditions with strong winds and a severe drought.
Both states have experienced major wildfires.
On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis offered assistance to California.
“Our prayers are with everyone affected by the horrific fires in Southern California,” DeSantis said in a post on X. “When disaster strikes, we must come together to help our fellow Americans in any way we can.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday credited lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and good samaritans for their support.
“The selfless acts we’re seeing as we fight the fires in LA are extraordinary—Good Samaritans jumping to aid neighbors. Humanitarians like Chef Jose Andres providing meals to responders. Bipartisan support from leaders across the U.S. California thanks you for your generosity,” the governor wrote in a post on X.
President Joe Biden approved Newsom’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which makes federal funding available to help cover emergency response costs. Biden on Thursday afternoon pledged to cover all the costs.
“Today I’m announcing that the federal government will cover 100 percent of the cost for 180 days…I told the governor and local officials spare no expense to do what they need to do to contain these fires,” Biden said.
According to Newsom, the state is “aggressively coordinating local, state, federal, and out-of-state resources to suppress the L.A. wildfires.”
Meanwhile, helicopters are back to dropping water on the Palisades and Hurst fires after air operations were temporarily grounded at one point due to the high winds, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said.
As of Thursday evening, seven people in the Los Angeles area have been confirmed dead.