California National Guard Continues Battle against Northern California Wildfires

Several states have sent National Guard resources to California to help fight the fires started by lightning strikes.

Image courtesy: NASA

(MATHER FIELD, Calif.) - The California National Guard (CNG), with support from National Guard equipment and personnel from various other states is currently providing twelve rotary aircraft, eight fixed-wing aircraft, and more than 200 personnel to assist in extinguishing various northern California wildfires Friday.

There are currently 12 rotary-winged aircraft fighting various northern California Wildfires. These include eight aircraft from the CNG and four from other states.

Helicopters from the CNG consist of (5) UH-60 Blackhawks, (1) Firehawk, (1) CH-47 Chinook, and (1) OH-58 Kiowa for observation. Since Monday, these aircraft have dropped more than 368,000 gallons of water.

The CNG is providing the following fixed-wing aircraft in support of the wild fires: (1) C-130J aircraft for personnel and equipment transport and (2) RC-26 providing aerial imagery support.

The North Carolina Air National Guard (NCANG) is currently providing (2) C-130s equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS), which are capable of dropping up to 3,000 gallons of water or retardant and (1) C-130H performing personnel and equipment transport.

The Colorado Air National Guard is also currently providing (2) C-130s equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems.

Along with aircraft, the CNG is providing (2) advanced mobile communications and data platforms (IC4U) to assist with command and control in remote areas, (3) Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks for refueling, and (1) 5,000 lbs. tanker.

In addition to equipment, the CNG is supporting the wildfires with more than 200 personnel.

The California National Guard works in support of the Governor and civilian responders and will continue to be deployed in the affected area as long as needed.

Source: California National Guard news release