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A senior military official overseeing federal operations in Los Angeles has formally recommended that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reassign 200 National Guard personnel to wildfire response roles, according to a recent Associated Press report.
The commander's proposal comes as California prepares for heightened fire danger amid forecasted dry and windy weather patterns. Gov. Gavin Newsom has consistently advocated for returning these Guard members to their original firefighting assignments.
Joint Task Force Rattlesnake, the state's specialized Guard firefighting unit, operates with fewer than half its typical personnel due to federal reassignments. More than half of the unit's 14 response teams have been diverted from fire suppression duties to support L.A. operations.
The personnel shortage has forced CAL FIRE to modify its deployment strategies and fill operational gaps typically handled by Guard specialists. These adjustments come during a period when meteorologists warn of conditions favorable to rapid fire spread across several states.
Newsom welcomed the military recommendation in a public statement, describing the move as recognition of California's firefighting priorities. The governor emphasized the importance of restoring full capacity to units that protect communities during fire emergencies.
The specialized Guard firefighting force includes over 300 trained personnel who work alongside state fire agencies on prevention and suppression activities. These teams provide essential support during extreme weather events that increase the risk of wildfires.
Federal deployment of these resources began after President Donald Trump issued orders, directing additional security measures for the L.A. area. The mobilization transferred state Guard units to federal control for metropolitan operations.
Beyond firefighting impacts, the deployment has reduced counter-narcotics operations by 32%. This reduction affects both border interdiction efforts and programs targeting fentanyl trafficking networks throughout the state.
California has invested heavily in expanding its fire response infrastructure over recent years. The state fire agency has grown its workforce by adding thousands of permanent and seasonal positions annually, representing a substantial increase from previous staffing levels.
Recent additions to the state's aerial firefighting capacity include a newly operational heavy transport aircraft. This expansion builds on what officials characterize as an unmatched collection of airborne firefighting resources.
Newsom's administration enacted emergency measures in March to streamline forest management projects across the state. These regulatory changes aim to accelerate vegetation removal and fuel reduction efforts across fire-prone landscapes.
Federal budget reductions have simultaneously affected wildfire response coordination. The U.S. Forest Service has eliminated thousands of positions, including significant cuts to non-firefighting roles that support prevention and preparation activities.
Fire weather forecasters continue monitoring atmospheric conditions that could trigger rapid wildfire development. Current weather patterns mirror historical conditions associated with major fire events in California's mountainous and inland regions.
