Now Over 1,800 Active Guard Troops Fighting Fires

The California National Guard activated more troops in recent days and now has more than 1,800 members assisting with firefighting operations in the Los Angeles area, according to the Pentagon.

They are supporting firefighting crews from the federal and local levels as well as military police and air crews.

The Air National Guard (ANG) is flying eight C-130 aircraft equipped with modular airborne firefighting systems (MAFFs). These units can be installed in the cargo bay and are able to drop 3,000 gallons of water or retardant onto a ¼ mile line in about 6 seconds.

ANG has been flying missions for the past 4 days, along with the other aircraft applying retardant or water on the numerous fires in the area. Pentagon spokesmand U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said that additional missions will be conducted as needed.

In addition to the National Guard, President Biden has ordered 500 active duty Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton in California to prepare to support requests from state and federal authorities with search and rescue, route clearance, rotary-wing airlift, and general support.

The DoD has 10 Navy helicopters equipped with water delivery buckets on standby to assist as needed. Ryder said, “We are doing everything we can to lean as far forward as we can, to be prepared to support the needs of the lead federal agencies.”

In addition, Navy Region Southwest is providing aircraft and crews from Naval Air Station North Island, Marine Corps Air Stations at Camp Pendleton and Miramar, all in California.

Ryder added, “You have got to do this in a choreographed way that synchronizes capabilities instead of introducing problems to an already complex situation on the ground. Again, we are going to closely monitor and as soon as and if those assets are requested, it will of course be available.” 

FMI:  https://calguard.ca.gov/air/