ARLINGTON, Va. – The California National Guard is working in the air and on land to help California's Department of Forestry and Fire (CAL FIRE) battle wildfires threatening thousands of homes and people in the state.
More than 875 California Guard members are providing logistical, technical, security and wildland firefighting support. The Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen are primarily focusing efforts on the Kincade, Getty, Tick and Easy Fires.
With dry and windy conditions, CAL FIRE reported 10 active wildfires in Northern and Southern California and mandatory evacuations in Sonoma and Los Angeles Counties. More than half a million customers were without electricity as utilities turned off power to reduce fire risk.
California Guard Soldiers and Airmen were activated Oct. 25 and committed 10 aircraft to fight fires from the air and provide logistical support.
Assistance by the California Guard includes fire mapping operations, damage assessment, communications support, providing security, power generation and traffic control along with dropping more than 78,000 gallons of water on fires so far in 96 drops.