The Defense Department has announced that it will be sending additional firefighting personnel and capabilities to California’s Los Angeles County region, which is currently facing a series of out-of-control wildfires. This decision was made at the direction of President Joe Biden, with the federal government working closely with the National Guard under California Governor Gavin Newsom’s state of emergency declaration. The California National Guard will be adding two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System units, with two more being readied by the Nevada National Guard.
The Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) are portable fire-retardant delivery systems that can be inserted into military C-130 aircraft to convert them into airtankers when needed. The Department of Defense also has four additional MAFFS that could be used to fight the fires if necessary, and they will be sending 10 Navy helicopters equipped with water delivery buckets to assist with aerial suppression. Additionally, the California Guard will be activating two ground firefighting teams and four military police companies to support local law enforcement and emergency response efforts.
All National Guardsmen tasked with fighting the wildfires are currently on state active duty, as per statements from DOD Spokesperson U.S. Army Maj. Jennifer Staton. Despite the massive size and scope of the wildfires, the DOD is facing challenges due to current weather conditions that are not conducive to getting many airborne assets operational. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh noted that efforts to bolster California with more assets are hindered by the severity of the fires and adverse weather conditions, but the department is committed to providing support in every possible way.
The federal government is working in collaboration with state and local authorities to address the wildfires in California, with a focus on providing resources and assistance where needed. The National Guard’s activation of firefighting and military police units underscores the collective efforts to combat the fires and protect affected communities. While challenges persist due to the intensity of the wildfires and unfavorable weather conditions, the DOD remains committed to supporting California in its firefighting efforts and stands ready to provide additional assistance as required.
