The smoke that has inundated Eastern Oregon is a daily reminder of the massive wildfires that are threatening lives and property west of the Cascade Mountains, and Umatilla County fire departments are lending firefighters and vehicles to try to contain the blazes.

Umatilla County Fire District Chief Scott Stanton said he’s sending resources from Hermiston to the other side of the state because fire departments support each other across the state.

“If we really needed help, they would come out here,” he said.

Stanton sent seven firefighters and three vehicles, which will be split between Clackamas County in the Portland metro area and Josephine County in Southern Oregon.

In his 34 years of firefighting experience, Stanton said he’s never seen a fire situation like he’s seen across the state right now.

Pendleton Fire Department also sent three personnel and two vehicles to help battle the blazes.