California faces strain on firefighting resources amid military deployment

With the onset of peak fire season in California, firefighting resources are facing increased pressure due to President Trump's recent actions. A federal judge has ruled that President Trump's deployment of military forces in Los Angeles is illegal and should be stopped. This move has led to a diversion of 300 California National Guard soldiers from crucial wildfire prevention and response duties.

Five out of 14 National Guard fire crews are now understaffed as a result of this federalization. This represents three-quarters of the California National Guard's fire response resources being redirected away from their primary mission.

Governor Gavin Newsom criticized these actions, stating, "Trump is endangering communities across California. He’s pulling National Guard members off critical wildfire prevention and response missions for his political stunt in Los Angeles."

Additionally, the Trump administration has made cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, impacting community safety across the state. The service has lost 10% of its positions overall and 25% outside direct wildfire response roles. These reductions come as the President issued an executive order on wildfire response.

CAL FIRE Director Joe Tyler emphasized the importance of resources: “In just the first five months of 2025 California has experienced more than 2,300 wildfires. Having the necessary firefighting apparatus and personnel is critical to our mission at CAL FIRE.”

The California Natural Resources Agency outlined concerns about these cuts potentially jeopardizing wildfire response capabilities, suggesting a shift from community protection to revenue generation from national forests.

Further reductions in staffing are anticipated with upcoming reorganization proposals by the U.S. Forest Service. The agency claims its suppression resources are adequate, but logistical staff cuts may impact operations.

Moreover, proposed budget changes could eliminate state grants supporting private landowner and urban forestry programs, impacting other Western states heavily reliant on federal funding.

Despite these challenges, California continues investing in wildfire resilience. CAL FIRE has expanded its workforce significantly over recent years and plans further hiring to meet increasing demands.

Governor Newsom announced $72 million for projects reducing catastrophic wildfire risks and fast-tracked vegetation management initiatives covering over 7,000 acres under new streamlining efforts.

California's efforts include doubling investments in wildfire prevention since 2020, completing numerous landscape health projects, and improving community hardening strategies statewide.

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