07/01/2008 GAAS:491:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Governor Schwarzenegger Orders California National Guard to Deploy Ground Forces to Fight Wildfires
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today ordered California National Guard soldiers to provide direct ground support to help CalFire with the current wildfire threat in Northern California.
“I can’t say enough about the brave men and women working tirelessly, and with little rest, to battle the blazes across California,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I am announcing a big shot in the arm to their efforts by ordering California National Guard soldiers to provide direct ground support on the fires.”
The National Guard is mobilizing at least 200 soldiers from Northern and Southern California units to accomplish this task. The Guard will provide 10 Type II handcrews, truck transportation support, and command and control personnel in coordination with Calfire and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The Guard is also preparing to deploy eight bulldozers to assist in cutting firelines. The ground crews and bulldozers are in addition to the fire fighting helicopters and other aviation support the California National Guard has deployed as part of the interagency effort to combat wildfires across the state.
The California National Guard remains prepared to respond to other contingencies should the need arise.
