The Defense Department has deployed 500 active-duty troops to assist with the wildfires in California. These troops, stationed at Camp Pendleton, are prepared to provide support in various areas such as route clearance, commodity distribution, search and rescue, rotary wing, airlift, and general assistance as requested by federal and state authorities. Additionally, March Air Reserve Base is serving as a staging base for FEMA efforts, and a defense coordinating officer and support element are being activated. The department is also preparing Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets for aerial fire suppression.
In addition to the active-duty troops, over 800 National Guard personnel from California, Wyoming, and Nevada are already on the ground or activated to provide assistance. The Guard is operating 10 helicopters for firefighting and search and rescue operations, with the number of personnel expected to increase in the next 24 hours. Eight MAFFS-equipped C-130 aircraft are also being activated under state authorities, with two expected to begin operations soon and the remaining six ready by Sunday. The firefighting operations are being coordinated by FEMA, CAL FIRE, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, with the Defense Department serving as a supporting agency.
The wildfires in California present a complex challenge, with various fires raging across the state requiring coordinated efforts for firefighting, road clearing, and managing the aftermath. The DOD resources are being utilized in coordination with state and FEMA officials to ensure efficient and effective support. Singh emphasized the importance of having a plan in place to ensure resources are used most efficiently, rather than simply surging capabilities into the region without a strategy. The DOD is working closely with the state to address their needs and ensure a coordinated response to the wildfires.
Overall, the deployment of active-duty troops, National Guard personnel, and aircraft equipped for firefighting is part of a larger effort to combat the wildfires in California. The DOD is playing a supporting role in coordination with other agencies to address the various challenges posed by the wildfires. As the situation continues to evolve, efforts are being made to ensure that resources are deployed strategically and in accordance with a comprehensive plan to effectively address the wildfires and assist affected communities in California.
