The ongoing deployment of the California National Guard by former President Trump has had a tangible effect on the state's firefighting capacity. Currently, firefighting crews are operating at 40% capacity, a significant reduction from previous weeks, according to the Governor's Office. Task Force Rattlesnake, a unit consisting of over 300 Guard members who support CAL FIRE's efforts, has been limited due to the diversion of eight of its 14 teams to Los Angeles for a deployment many have deemed illegal. This change has reduced available crews from nine last week to just six, as reported by the Governor's office.
The ripple effects of these deployments are putting additional pressure on CAL FIRE personnel to cover the shortfalls. The state's fire management capabilities are being tested as peak fire season hits, requiring full mobilization of all available resources. The President's move has drawn criticism from Governor Gavin Newsom, who has openly called for the rescinding of what he terms an illegal order.
On top of the National Guard issue, the Trump administration effected cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, which saw a loss of 10% of its total positions and a quarter of those outside of direct wildfire response. These actions also have a potentially harmful impact on the state's wildfire response during a time of high danger.
Despite these challenges, California continues to bolster its wildfire response strategy, investing significantly in its workforce. With over 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions added yearly, they have doubled the recruitment compared to the previous state administration. Future projections expect the hiring of thousands more personnel. Last month, Governor Newsom announced a $72 million funding package for wildfire risk reduction projects, and an emergency proclamation fast-tracking forest and vegetation management projects was signed back in March.
The state's commitment includes adding another C-130 Hercules airtanker to its already world's largest aerial firefighting fleet. All these initiatives are part of a broader effort to adapt to a changing climate, with a focus on increasing wildfire response and improving forest management. Details of California's progress in wildfire resilience and preparedness can be found on the Governor's official website.
