In a robust move to tackle the wildfire crisis in Los Angeles County, Governor Gavin Newsom revealed on Saturday that the state is sending in more troops from the California National Guard.
With this new deployment, the total number of guardsmen in the area has soared to 1,680, effectively doubling their presence amid the ongoing emergency.
Escalation of Resources
This escalation came after five harrowing days marked by fierce fire activity, including significant blazes such as the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have together consumed over 36,000 acres and claimed at least 11 lives, as confirmed by the county coroner.
Since the fires broke out on January 7, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate, a situation worsened by severe dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, which have been clocked at gusts up to 100 mph, aiding the rapid fire spread.
Before this latest surge in troop numbers, more than 600 National Guardsmen were already on the ground in Los Angeles as of Thursday.
The newly added personnel will see over 1,000 Military Police Forces joining forces with local law enforcement and firefighting teams.
Their primary responsibilities include managing traffic and facilitating evacuation processes.
Comprehensive Firefighting Operations
Governor Newsom emphasized the critical nature of the moment, noting that resource mobilization against the wildfires has intensified due to the hurricane-force winds battering the region.
A comprehensive firefighting operation is now underway, mobilizing over 12,000 personnel from various agencies, including firefighters and military forces.
The aerial assault on the flames is backed by a fleet of over 60 aircraft, with additional support from National Guards from Wyoming and Nevada, which have dispatched units to assist California’s efforts.
- These three states are collaborating to use C-130 Hercules aircraft outfitted with Modular Aerial Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS).
- These systems facilitate the effective discharge of fire retardant over active fire zones, especially in areas that are hard to reach because of difficult terrain.
- Each aircraft, operated by the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing and units from Nevada and Wyoming, can carry an impressive 11,000 pounds of retardant, which can be refilled in under 15 minutes, allowing rapid and extensive coverage from the air.
Additionally, the Department of Defense has ramped up military assistance for Los Angeles.
Active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton are set to aid in search and rescue operations and road clearance efforts.
The Navy is also deploying helicopters equipped to carry and drop water, further enhancing the firefighting strategy.
Ongoing Challenges
Looking ahead, meteorologists warn that the high winds and dry conditions that have plagued the region will continue into the next week, presenting persistent challenges in the battle against the wildfires.
Source: Taskandpurpose