As many as four local firefighters are in fire-stricken Southern California today as part of a state strike team, Fore Chief Scott Lewis said Thursday.

He said the task force would comprise units from Pahrump, North Las Vegas, Storey County and one other northern location.

Pahrump was tasked to send a Type 1 engine with its crew, Lewis said.

Lewis stressed that sending the engine and four firefighters does not place an undue strain on the department's abilities to handle local fires or rescues.

"That would not strip our resources," Lewis said.

Fire departments and National Guard troops from as far away as North Carolina have supplied personnel and equipment to help exhausted California firefighters battle the immense blazes that have blackened much of the Los Angeles and San Diego region.