U.S. Military Prepared to Deploy to Contain Los Angeles Wildfires
The U.S. military is poised to deploy troops to help contain the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell.
Criswell stated that there are 500 active-duty Marines and 10 Naval helicopters ready to be deployed to support firefighting efforts, pending requests from incident commanders at each command post. When asked why the state hasn’t yet requested military assistance, Criswell defered to the incident commanders, citing their knowledge of the situation’s strategic needs.
Criswell expressed her concern for the continued danger posed by the wildfires, noting that strong gusts of wind could spread the fires further in the next 48 hours. California Governor Gavin Newsom also warned of the winds, stating that the challenge lies in the 50-plus mile-per-hour gusts expected on Monday.
FEMA’s Criswell emphasized the importance of safety, cautioning against returning to homes in affected areas. The Eaton fire remains 27% contained, while the Palisades fire remains at 11% containment, according to NBC News.
Despite the efforts underway, Criswell stressed the need for residents to stay out of harm’s way, highlighting the life-saving piece of getting people to safe locations. Her biggest concern remains the safety of both firefighters and residents as they continue to combat the wildfires.
