The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has deployed a specialized task force to the Texas Panhandle to assist with wildfire efforts as the state faces widespread fire activity.

The 10-person crew is responsible for responding to new wildfire starts across the region. The New Jersey crew brought a fleet of specialized equipment, including one Type 4 fire engine, three Type 6 fire engines and a pickup truck.

"Out-of-state deployments provide our wildland firefighters with valuable experience and strategies that they bring back home," officials said in a statement.

These assignments allow personnel to earn national certifications through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. Each deployment is scheduled to last 14 working days. If suppression needs continue beyond that window, a crew swap will be initiated to bring in fresh personnel.

These out-of-state assignments have no impact on the Forest Fire Service’s ability to respond to wildfires within New Jersey. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has a 40-year history of providing mutual aid, having assisted 20 states ranging from Alaska to Florida.