A Winnipeg firefighter who was visiting California for a family trip is being hailed as a hero after helping save a neighbourhood in a small community from burning down in a wildfire.

Three Castle Rock Fire Department members deployed to southern California on Wednesday to support firefighters battling large wildfires around Los Angeles.

The wind-driven wildfires burning out of control in the Los Angeles area couldn't have emerged at a more perilous moment for California's homeowners, as officials try to rehab what they concede is a deepening "insurance crisis.

Hundreds of incarcerated firefighters, who are trained to respond to emergencies and disasters, were reportedly deployed in Los Angeles.

On Wednesday night, the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department announced three of their own were on the way to California to battle the wildfires.