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California National Guard troops train to aid in firefighting efforts. | Photo courtesy of Spc. Sigmund W. Rakiec/California National Guard
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California National Guard troops will join the fight against the Line Fire that on Tuesday morning was up to over 26,000 acres with 5% containment.
On Saturday Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County that included the troop deployment.
“As the Line Fire continues to pose a threat to San Bernardino communities, we’re pouring resources into this incident aggressively by deploying more air and ground support through the California National Guard,” Newsom said in a statement. “This is on top of nearly 2,000 firefighters, nearly 200 engines, and air assets we already have tackling this fire. California stands with these communities and has their backs.”
The governor’s order activates these military units:
- Four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for water bucket dropping operations;
- Two C-130 planes with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems;
- Four hand crews each comprised of 20 soldiers who report to Camp Roberts Wednesday for equipment distribution and start assisting firefighters on Thursday; and
- One military police company to assist the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department with traffic control in evacuated areas.
Three injuries have been confirmed, and no fatalities were reported, according to Cal Fire. The fire is currently threatening 65,600 structures, including 9,200 buildings under evacuation orders and 56,400 structures under evacuation warnings.
