MALIBU—On Friday, January 10, members of the U.S. Army National Guard, and the U.S. Navy have been deployed to California along with two C-130 planes to assist in fighting the fires that are devastating California.
Executive Officer to the Chief of Police, Lieutenant Erika R. Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department issued the following press release. She did emphasize to Canyon News that they are not allowing anyone to cross through entry/exit points in Santa Monica to the evacuation zones in Pacific Palisades and Los Angeles.
The Santa Monica Police Department posted the following information on their X social media page.
“In response to the ongoing Palisades fire, the National Guard has been deployed to assist our department in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. You will find them stationed at traffic control points around Santa Monica. We thank you for your cooperation as we continue to navigate this situation together. Your safety is our top priority.”
According to the Military Times, “Four military Airborne Fire fighting System units-technology that can turn C-130 Hercules airplanes into firefighting aircraft without major modifications, can be used if needed.”
A reported 960 acres have been consumed in the Pacific Palisades fire. An estimated 150,000 people have been evacuated, and 10 have died. The fires have not all been extinguished. California is normally burdened with wildfires during the summer heat. Climate Change activists are attributing the fires to climate change.
Water rationing by Governor Gavin Newsom coupled with poor fire prevention techniques are contributing factors. Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, cut funding for some Los Angeles County Firefighters. Reports indicate 250 firefighters initially responded to extinguish the blazes. The wind and water shortages have been a challenge to firefighters who have been fighting the flames since January 7th.
