(Photo via inciweb.nwcg.gov)

The Stouts Creek Fire burns in Oregon on Aug. 6, 2015.

Thousands of fire crews are fighting wildfires across the country. Hot, dry conditions in places like California and parts of the Pacific Northwest mean fires are much more severe.

But with so many fires burning, how do state and federal agencies make sure they have the personnel they need? 

Cathie Schmidlin with the Forest Service’s Southwest region said  when it comes to fire, resources are moved and shared across state lines. She describes it like a game of chess. Right now, crews from Arizona are being deployed outside the state to help combat wildfires.

"So we have four hotshot crews in California, three in Oregon and one each in Montana and Nevada," said Schmidlin. "We have sent 33 engines out of the Southwest and four are in California, We also have 12 what we call type two crews in California."

To put that into some perspective, Schmidlin said when it comes to personnel, there are around 700 people from Arizona working fires outside the state. Half of them are in California.

As for who foots the bill, Schmidlin said the agencies using the crews will cover the costs.