California has activated 1,800 National Guardsmen to combat wildfires in Los Angeles, which have caused significant destruction and loss of life.
Los Angeles: Nearly 2,000 California National Guardsmen are stepping up to fight some serious wildfires that have wreaked havoc in the area. These fires have destroyed thousands of homes and sadly claimed at least 24 lives.
About 1,800 Guardsmen are on the ground, helping with firefighting efforts and supporting local law enforcement. They’ve got crews, aircraft, and military police ready to assist.
Eight C-130 planes, which can drop a whopping 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant, are stationed nearby. Over the weekend, they dropped 16,000 gallons to help contain the flames.
Plus, there are ten Navy helicopters and 500 Marines on standby, ready to jump in if needed. It’s all hands on deck as wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres in the area.
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently boosted the number of activated Guardsmen by 1,000. He praised their efforts, saying they’ve been crucial in fighting fires and ensuring public safety in affected communities.
As of now, the Palisades fire is the largest blaze, only 14% contained, and has destroyed over 1,280 structures. The Eaton fire is also a major concern, having burned 14,117 acres and taken at least 11 lives.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, predicting strong Santa Ana winds that could worsen the situation. They’re urging everyone to stay alert and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Currently, around 92,000 people are under evacuation orders, as officials work tirelessly to manage this crisis.
