California is on fire. So why are its troops at the border?

California fire departments are managing with fewer National Guard personnel as federal authorities have redirected the state's military firefighters to support border enforcement activities in Los Angeles.

State fire officials report that federal commanders have reassigned over 150 members from Joint Task Force Rattlesnake, a 300-person National Guard firefighting squad that assists with wildfire operations. The transfers have forced regular fire crews to handle duties previously managed by military personnel.

Emergency responders confronting the Monte Fire near San Diego have worked without their usual Guard support, according to state agencies. The personnel gap resulted from President Donald Trump administration's assumption of command over California's Guard units for federal law enforcement missions.

"We're actively seeing the dangerous results of pulling the National Guard's Task Force Rattlesnake off of critical firefighting missions," Gov. Gavin Newsom said. "Thanks to our investments, our CAL FIRE crews are stepping in to help fill the gaps and protect communities — but know this: Donald Trump is endangering Californians because of his reckless and authoritarian takeover of our National Guard."

Federal officials deployed the Guard to assist immigration agents and secure federal property during civil unrest in L.A. The move has sparked legal disputes over the president's authority to commandeer state military units without the governor's approval.

Firefighting resources face additional strain from federal budget reductions affecting the Forest Service, state officials noted. Forest agencies have cut their workforce by 10% overall and reduced non-firefighting positions by 25%.

California has bolstered its firefighting capacity by recruiting approximately 2,400 new personnel each year for five years, nearly doubling its previous hiring rates. State agencies have invested in expanded training programs and the purchase of new equipment.

Lawmakers approved $72 million in new funding for fire prevention work last month. Regulators have fast-tracked environmental reviews for 20 brush-clearing projects spanning 8,000 acres under emergency procedures.

Aviation resources received reinforcement with the addition of a large transport aircraft configured for dropping fire retardant. State officials characterize California's aerial firefighting capability as unmatched worldwide.

State employment plans call for recruiting several thousand additional firefighters, forest managers, and support workers over the next four years to address growing wildfire threats.

Also Read:

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