California wildfires: Additional Hercules aircraft and 10 US Navy helicopters deployed
The United States Department of Defense mobilized C-130 aircraft equipped with MAFFS, helicopters, and ground teams to combat the wildfires in southern California, as weather conditions complicate aerial operations.
The United States Department of Defense (DOD) announced its additional support to combat the devastating wildfires affecting the Los Angeles County region in southern California. The fires, which broke out yesterday, have prompted the mobilization of state and federal resources under the direction of President Joe Biden and the state of emergency declared by Governor Gavin Newsom.
According to Sabrina Singh, Deputy Press Secretary for the Pentagon, the federal government is working closely with the California National Guard to address the crisis. “The California National Guard is adding two units of the Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS), while the Nevada National Guard is preparing two more,” Singh explained.
Air and Ground Support
The MAFFS system, according to the United States Forest Service, converts C-130 aircraft into aerial tankers through the installation of portable systems for delivering fire retardant, without the need for major structural modifications. Additionally, the DOD has another four MAFFS units that could be deployed if necessary.
Furthermore, the Department of Defense is sending 10 US Navy helicopters equipped with buckets to transport water, aiming to help suppress the flames from the air.
On the ground, the California National Guard has activated two ground firefighting teams and four military police companies to support local law enforcement and emergency response teams. “All National Guard personnel assigned to firefighting are currently on state active duty,” stated DOD spokesperson Major Jennifer Staton.
Challenges Due to Weather Conditions
Despite the deployment, adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds, have hindered the operation of aerial resources in the hardest-hit areas. Singh noted that while there is willingness to send additional assets, current conditions do not allow their full utilization. “We can increase resources, and the President has ordered this department to support whatever California needs, but right now we cannot put more assets in the air because the fires and winds are too intense,” she explained.
The DOD assured it would continue close collaboration with California authorities to provide ongoing support in the fight against the wildfires, which have already caused significant damage in the region.
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