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Spotlight

California Wildfire Response

The Defense Department is going to do everything it can to support all those who are battling the fires in California.

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Resources

FEMA Wildfires Response [English]

FEMA Wildfires Response [Español]

National Interagency Fire Center News

California Wildfires USA Gov [English]

California Wildfires USA Gov [Español]

DVIDS: Wildfire Response

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matt Schwegel, a C-130 Hercules pilot with the Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Airlift Wing, describes the National Guard's Modular Airborne Firefighting System mission used for aerial firefighting in support of the L.A. wildfires. Play
Nevada Guardsmen Lend Aerial Firefighting Support
1:00
Nevada Guardsmen Lend Aerial Firefighting Support
The California Army National Guard's Task Force 49, comprised of the 49th Military Police Brigade and other units, are the main Guard effort supporting local law enforcement officials during the Los Angeles wildfire response efforts. Their missions includes providing traffic control and security patrols as local and state officials ensure the areas are safe for residents to return. Play
Guardsmen Provide Security
0:59
Guardsmen Provide Security
A California Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk aircrew performs aerial reconnaissance of areas affected by wildfires in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 15, 2025. More than 2,500 National Guard members on duty as part of wildfire response efforts manning traffic control points, providing security, and serving in aerial and ground firefighting crews in support of state and local authorities. (U.S. Army video by Master Sgt. Whitney Hughes) Play
Aircrew Surveys Damage
1:10
Aircrew Surveys Damage
A California Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk aircrew performs aerial reconnaissance of areas affected by wildfires in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 15, 2025. More than 2,500 National Guard members on duty as part of wildfire response efforts manning traffic control points, providing security, and serving in aerial and ground firefighting crews in support of state and local authorities. Play
Black Hawk Crew Performs Aerial Recon
2:03
Black Hawk Crew Performs Aerial Recon
An airman wearing a headset and sunglasses looks into the distance, her face partly obscured by on-screen text. Play
California Air Guardsman Balances Military Service, Wildland Firefighting
0:49
California Air Guardsman Balances Military Service, Wildland Firefighting
Today's story: Guard and Reserve Airmen join the firefighting efforts against the California wildfires. Play
Airmen Join the Firefight in California
0:47
Airmen Join the Firefight in California
California Army National Guard pilots fly over Palisades on a UH-60 Black Hawk observing damage to communities caused by the wildfires at Palisades, Calif., Jan. 15, 2025. The California Army National Guard was activated to help support first responders and emergency services fighting the fires in Los Angeles County. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. William Franco Espinosa) Play
Pilots Assess Palisades Fire Damage
2:23
Pilots Assess Palisades Fire Damage
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Carlos Araujo, 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, speaks about joint operations with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in support of battling Los Angeles County fires in Camarillo, Calif., Jan. 11, 2025. The California National Guard activated more than 800 Service members to assist law enforcement and emergency services fight fires raging across Los Angeles County. (US Army National Guard video by Spc. William Franco Espinosa) Play
Ready to Take Flight and Fight Fires
1:32
Ready to Take Flight and Fight Fires
A California Air National Guard MAFFS (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) equipped C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing provides support to wildland fire suppression efforts by dropping a line of fire retardant on the Palisades Fire in the mountains above the Pacific Palisades, California, Jan. 11, 2025. When requested by the National Interagency Fire Center and approved by the Secretary of Defense, the Department of Defense can provide unique wildland firefighting assets to the requesting agencies. As part of U.S. Northern Command's assigned Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission, these diverse mission assets are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to minimize human suffering, protect lives, property, critical infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources, and can include, but are not limited to, Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) equipped-aircraft, military helicopters, and ground forces capable of supporting the firefighting efforts. Play
View From C-130J Supporting Firefighting Efforts
1:36
View From C-130J Supporting Firefighting Efforts
U.S. Army Pvt. Lesly Benitez speaks about her duty location and thoughts on the Los Angeles County Fires at Altadena, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025. The California National Guard activated more than 800 service members to support local law enforcement and emergency response assets secure evacuated areas and fight fires raging across Los Angeles County. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. William Franco Espinosa) Play
Army Pvt. Lesly Benitez Helps Her Community
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Army Pvt. Lesly Benitez Helps Her Community
California National Guard's 330th Military Police Company man a checkpoint to protect the local community and its property bnear the Eaton Fire area at Altadena, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025. The Cal Guard activated more than 800 service members to help support law enforcement and emergency services fight the fires raging across Los Angeles County. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. William Franco Espinosa) Play
Military Police Provide Traffic Checkpoint Support
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Military Police Provide Traffic Checkpoint Support
Firefighters in California work to put out hot spots on the ground in the Eaton Fire. Play
Firefighters Fight Eaton Fire
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Firefighters Fight Eaton Fire
U.S. Army Sgt. Caleb Romero assigned to the 330th Military Police Company, California Army National Guard, talks about the tasks his unit is running through to support local first responders fight the wild fires raging across Los Angeles County at Ontario, Calif., Jan. 9, 2025. The California Army National Guard was activated by Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom on Jan. 8, 2025, to help assist first responders on multiple fires in LA County. (U.S. Army video by Spc. William Franco Espinosa) Play
330th Military Police: Ready to Respond
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330th Military Police: Ready to Respond