The U.S. military has mobilized substantial resources to combat the devastating wildfires raging across California, with more assistance ready to deploy as needed.
Two C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with firefighting systems are currently conducting operations over Los Angeles, while 10 Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets stand prepared to join the effort once certified by California authorities.
The Defense Department has positioned 500 active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton to support various missions including route clearance, supply distribution, and search and rescue operations. March Air Reserve Base near Los Angeles is now serving as a staging area for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordination.
More than 800 National Guard personnel from California, Wyoming, and Nevada are already engaged in firefighting efforts or have been activated. The Guard is operating 10 helicopters for firefighting and search-and-rescue missions, with additional aircraft expected to join operations.
Six more C-130 firefighting aircraft are scheduled to be ready by Sunday, expanding the aerial firefighting capabilities. These planes are being equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems that convert them into specialized firefighting aircraft.
The military response operates under FEMA's coordination, working alongside CAL FIRE and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasized that the Defense Department serves in a supporting role, deploying resources based on California's specific requests and needs.
The fires have claimed at least 10 lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced the evacuation of 180,000 people. The situation has been intensified by strong seasonal winds across the region.
The coordinated response demonstrates the military's ability to integrate with civilian emergency services while maintaining careful planning to ensure resources are used effectively in addressing this unprecedented crisis.