He added that although Guard aircrews aren't likely going to see the same level of tasking, they will maintain a presence, along with ensuring aircraft are immediately available to support state missions as required. "Downsizing typically occurs when our partner agencies believe they can manage the fires still burning with the civilian air and ground assets they have available." "This is a balancing act, and we work with multiple agencies to determine what type of support they need from us," Major Hall said. David Hall, a JTF Sentinel operations officer, said operations from Mather are being scaled back based on direction from the state's Joint Forces Headquarters and as a result of inputs from the Office of Emergency Services California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Calfire and other civil agencies indicating forces on the ground, along with civil aircraft support, are sufficient to handle the current fire situation. In fact, just a week ago, the flight line at this former Air Force base near California's capital of Sacramento sat mostly empty, with the exception of aircraft requiring maintenance and a couple of spare aircraft ready to go if called upon.Īrmy Maj. Since the California fires began June 21, Army and Air National Guard aircrews have flown continuously, supporting the massive firefighting operation.Īt the height of the operation, more than two dozen aircraft from as many as 14 states, as far away as New York, were assigned to Joint Task Force Sentinel.Īircrews endured the stifling heat and smoke, flying continuous fire-suppression missions and dropping nearly 4 million gallons of water on the flames that have scorched more than 900,000 acres, or an area roughly equivalent to the size of Rhode Island. (AFPN) - With the latest California wildfires mostly under control, Army and Air National Guard aircrews supporting the firefighting effort can finally begin to breathe, as many aircraft are pulled from active support to a stand-by role.
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