California is facing a challenging wildfire season, and Governor Gavin Newsom is raising alarms about the state’s firefighting resources. He revealed that the California National Guard is currently operating at only 40% capacity. This reduction comes after President Trump ordered the deployment of eight out of fourteen firefighting crews to Los Angeles. The move was made in response to federal immigration actions, leaving the state with just six crews to handle potential wildfires.
Task Force Rattlesnake, which consists of over 300 members of the California National Guard, typically assists the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in firefighting efforts. However, with most of these crews now in Los Angeles, the state’s ability to respond to wildfires is significantly weakened. Newsom emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling on Trump to rescind what he termed an "illegal order" and return the troops to their critical firefighting roles.
The National Guard troops were activated under Title 10, which allows the president to mobilize them for federal service during emergencies. This federalization means the state cannot reassign these troops for local needs until they are released from federal duty. CalGuard spokesperson Carl Trujillo noted that once federalized, the troops are under federal command and cannot be redirected by the state.
Trump’s decision to invoke Title 10 has sparked controversy, as it has historical precedent. He justified the deployment by claiming it was necessary to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents amid protests related to immigration raids. In response, Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles criticized the move as provocative, stating that local law enforcement was already managing the situation.
Newsom has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that Trump’s actions violate state authority. While a lower court initially sided with Newsom, a higher court has ruled in favor of Trump, and the case is still under review.
As California braces for potentially severe fire conditions, the state is also grappling with a weakened U.S. Forest Service. Since Trump took office, the Forest Service has lost approximately 3,400 employees due to layoffs and budget cuts. This reduction, combined with recent changes at FEMA and other agencies, raises concerns about the state’s preparedness for wildfires.
Currently, California is experiencing an active fire season, with five active wildfires reported. The state has dealt with nearly 3,000 fires this year, burning close to 93,000 acres. Experts warn that the situation could worsen due to exceptionally warm and dry weather conditions.
As tensions rise between state and federal authorities, the future of California’s firefighting capabilities remains uncertain. With resources stretched thin, the state is calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of its communities.