Servicemembers Mobilize to Combat California Wildfires – Guy D. McCardle
As California confronts some of the most devastating wildfires in its history, servicemembers from various branches have been deployed to support firefighting efforts and provide relief to affected communities. The collaboration between military personnel and civilian agencies underscores the critical role of the armed forces in domestic disaster response.
California National Guard’s Frontline Engagement
The California National Guard has taken a leading role in battling the devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California. As of January 8, 2025, over 600 National Guard members have been deployed alongside their equipment to support firefighting and law enforcement efforts. Their contributions are essential in containing the fires and safeguarding communities in the affected areas.
On the ground, the Guard has mobilized two hand crews working directly with CAL FIRE, with an additional eight crews from Task Force Rattlesnake set to join the fight. In total, nearly 40 military hand crews from the active Army and the California National Guard are engaged in battling the flames on the front lines. These crews are focused on fire suppression, constructing firebreaks, and working tirelessly to contain the blazes.
In the skies, the National Guard is deploying significant aerial resources to combat the fires. Ten rotary-wing aircraft, including four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, are conducting water bucket operations to douse the flames. Two C-130 airplanes equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) have also been deployed, capable of dropping fire retardant over large areas. These efforts provide critical support to ground crews and help slow the spread of the fires.
The Guard is also contributing to other crucial aspects of the wildfire response. Firefighting helicopters and medevac units are on standby, ready to assist as needed. Additionally, remotely piloted aircraft are being utilized for fire mapping and damage assessments, providing real-time data to help guide firefighting strategies. In evacuated areas, a military police company has been assigned to assist the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department with traffic control, ensuring that residents can evacuate safely and that unauthorized access is prevented.
The California National Guard’s efforts are part of a larger operation involving over 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel working to protect communities across the state. The horrific wildfires in Los Angeles and surrounding areas have required an extraordinary response, and the National Guard’s swift and coordinated actions demonstrate their ongoing critical role in disaster relief.
As California confronts some of the most devastating wildfires in its history, servicemembers from various branches have been deployed to support firefighting efforts and provide relief to affected communities. The collaboration between military personnel and civilian agencies underscores the critical role of the armed forces in domestic disaster response.
California National Guard’s Frontline Engagement
The California National Guard has taken a leading role in battling the devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California. As of January 8, 2025, over 600 National Guard members have been deployed alongside their equipment to support firefighting and law enforcement efforts. Their contributions are essential in containing the fires and safeguarding communities in the affected areas.
On the ground, the Guard has mobilized two hand crews working directly with CAL FIRE, with an additional eight crews from Task Force Rattlesnake set to join the fight. In total, nearly 40 military hand crews from the active Army and the California National Guard are engaged in battling the flames on the front lines. These crews are focused on fire suppression, constructing firebreaks, and working tirelessly to contain the blazes.
In the skies, the National Guard is deploying significant aerial resources to combat the fires. Ten rotary-wing aircraft, including four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, are conducting water bucket operations to douse the flames. Two C-130 airplanes equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) have also been deployed, capable of dropping fire retardant over large areas. These efforts provide critical support to ground crews and help slow the spread of the fires.
The Guard is also contributing to other crucial aspects of the wildfire response. Firefighting helicopters and medevac units are on standby, ready to assist as needed. Additionally, remotely piloted aircraft are being utilized for fire mapping and damage assessments, providing real-time data to help guide firefighting strategies. In evacuated areas, a military police company has been assigned to assist the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department with traffic control, ensuring that residents can evacuate safely and that unauthorized access is prevented.
The California National Guard’s efforts are part of a larger operation involving over 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel working to protect communities across the state. The horrific wildfires in Los Angeles and surrounding areas have required an extraordinary response, and the National Guard’s swift and coordinated actions demonstrate their ongoing critical role in disaster relief.
Interagency Collaboration and Training
Interagency communication and training are essential components of California‘s wildfire management strategy. To improve coordination among various agencies, the state has launched several initiatives designed to enhance communication, preparedness, and resource allocation.
The California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force has created a Communications Work Group that acts as a hub for inter-agency collaboration. This group brings together representatives from CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the California Natural Resources Agency, and conservation organizations. By sharing information and coordinating messaging, the group ensures that all agencies involved in wildfire management are on the same page, enabling a more unified response.
Training and recruitment also play a significant role in strengthening wildfire response. The California Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (CWCG) actively recruits qualified personnel for Interagency Complex Incident Management Teams. Applications for these positions are open to members of all agencies, with standards set by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, Forest Service Fire and Aviation Qualifications Guide, and the California Incident Command Certifications System (CICCS). This ensures that the teams are staffed with highly trained individuals capable of managing complex incidents effectively.
California has also adopted advanced technologies to improve interagency coordination and wildfire response. AI-powered tools are now used for faster fire detection, while the Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) provides real-time wildfire mapping. Partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense have enabled the use of advanced satellite technology for fire detection, and LiDAR technology is being employed to create detailed 3D maps of high-risk areas. These innovations provide critical data to enhance decision-making and response efforts.
To streamline resource allocation and project planning, California has developed the Wildfire and Landscape Interagency Treatment Dashboard. This groundbreaking platform displays recent forest and wildland projects completed by more than a dozen federal and state agencies. By offering a comprehensive view of past efforts, the dashboard helps guide new projects and improves interagency collaboration.
These initiatives highlight California’s commitment to improving communication, training, and technological capabilities in the fight against wildfires. By fostering collaboration and adopting cutting-edge tools, the state aims to manage and mitigate wildfires more effectively, protecting communities and natural resources.
History of Military Involvement in Fighting Wildfires
The U.S. military has a long history of involvement in fighting wildfires, dating back to the early 20th century, and its role has evolved significantly over time. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was instrumental in wildfire management, helping enforce the government’s “no burn” policy and constructing essential wildfire protection infrastructure. The CCC crews were often organized as firefighting units, monitoring and battling wildfires in remote areas.
After World War II, wildfire suppression efforts became more mechanized. Military combat tactics and equipment, including airplanes, trucks, and even tanks, were adapted for firefighting. Many of the tools and techniques used by modern firefighters, such as aerial firefighting and specialized vehicles, have roots in this era.
In 1975, military support for wildfire suppression was formalized through an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Defense (DOD). When civilian firefighting resources are fully committed, the National Multi-Agency Coordinating (NMAC) Group at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) can request military assistance. This partnership ensures the military is ready to provide support when needed.
One of the military’s most notable contributions is the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) program. This initiative equips Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units with C-130 aircraft modified to serve as air tankers. Since its inception, MAFFS-equipped aircraft have been a critical resource during severe wildfire seasons, dropping fire retardants to help contain fires.
In recent decades, military involvement has continued to grow. For example, in 2000, five military battalions were deployed to combat wildfires in Idaho and Montana. In 2018, 200 active-duty personnel from Joint Base Lewis-McChord assisted with the massive Mendocino Complex fire in California. In 2020, MAFFS-equipped C-130s dropped nearly 1.5 million gallons of fire retardant on California wildfires. In 2021, military personnel from Joint Base Lewis-McChord were again deployed, this time to fight the Dixie Fire.
Today, military support for wildfire suppression includes a wide range of efforts, such as ground firefighting, aerial suppression, logistical assistance, and deploying advanced technologies. The National Guard plays a significant role, with thousands of Guardsmen responding to wildfires across the Western United States. This long-standing collaboration between the military and civilian agencies has enhanced wildfire suppression capabilities and contributed to the development of modern firefighting strategies and technologies in the U.S.
Support Beyond Firefighting
The military plays a vital role in wildfire management that goes beyond direct firefighting. One key area is aerial reconnaissance and mapping. RC-26 aircraft equipped with Distributed Real-Time Infrared (DRTI) technology are used to detect and map wildfires. In 2024 alone, these aircraft mapped 268 wildfires during 143 sorties. By providing real-time data, they enhance situational awareness and help fire management teams develop strategic plans to combat fires effectively.
Logistical support is another crucial contribution. The military provides command and support staff to assist with large-scale firefighting operations, including setting up infrastructure and coordinating resource allocation. This ensures that firefighting efforts run smoothly and efficiently.
Training and equipment are also priorities. The military supplies wildland fire personal protective equipment (PPE) to soldiers deployed for firefighting. Additionally, experienced wildland fire strike team leaders and crew bosses from fire management agencies work alongside military personnel, providing guidance and expertise during operations.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is also at the forefront of research and development in wildfire science. Through the Wildland Fire Science Initiative, the DoD focuses on developing advanced fire behavior and smoke dispersion models. By fostering collaboration between fire managers and researchers, the DoD has become a leader in creating management-relevant science that benefits wildfire response efforts.
Interagency collaboration further highlights the military’s role in wildfire management. The military works closely with organizations such as the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group to ensure coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local agencies. These partnerships enhance the overall effectiveness of wildfire management strategies.
This comprehensive involvement demonstrates the military’s critical support in managing wildfires, from reconnaissance and logistics to training, research, and interagency collaboration. Together, these efforts strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to and mitigate the impact of wildfires.
Challenges and Ongoing Efforts
Despite the extensive mobilization of resources, the scale and intensity of the wildfires present significant challenges. High winds and dry conditions have exacerbated the situation, making containment efforts arduous. Servicemembers continue to work tirelessly alongside civilian agencies, demonstrating resilience and dedication in the face of adversity.
The commitment of servicemembers to protect lives and property during these wildfires exemplifies the military’s continuing vital role in domestic disaster response. Their efforts aid in controlling the immediate crisis and contribute to the long-term recovery and resilience of affected communities.
