THEMARICOPAMOD.COM / WEATHER & ENVIRONMENT

Arizona National Guard heads to California as state battles massive Park Fire

This action comes amidst a significant surge in wildfire activity.

PUBLISHED AUG 3, 2024

In response to the ongoing wildfire crisis, two UH-60 aircraft with water buckets and 13 personnel from the Guard are deploying to Mather Field to support the firefighting efforts.

Phoenix, Arizona: The Arizona National Guard are on the move and flying out to help California. In response to the ongoing wildfire crisis impacting the Golden State, two UH-60 aircraft with water buckets and 13 personnel from the Guard are deploying to Mather Field to support the firefighting efforts. This action comes amidst a significant surge in wildfire activity, with 21 wildfires burning across various regions of the state.

The Park Fire, currently the largest wildfire in California in 2024, has devastated large areas in Butte and Tehama counties. (Photo: Frank Schulenburg)

“Because we are the primary combat reserve of the US Armed Forces, the National Guard has the resources to coordinate swift responses to local disasters,” said Maj. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck, the Adjutant General of Arizona. “When our states and territories call upon each other in times of need, we do not hesitate to unite our resources to support our communities.”

The largest and most devastating of these wildfires, the Park Fire, has already consumed approximately 368,000 acres and affected four counties. Additionally, the SQF Lightning Complex fire, which has burned 85,000 acres and spread across two counties, is being closely monitored by Cal OES.

What is the Park Fire?

The Park Fire, currently the largest wildfire in California in 2024, has devastated large areas in Butte and Tehama counties. As of August 3, 2024, the fire has burned over 400,000 acres and is 27% contained. This makes it the fourth-largest wildfire in California's history. The fire began on July 24, 2024, and has rapidly spread due to wind and heavy vegetation, prompting widespread evacuation orders and warnings in multiple counties, including Butte, Tehama, and Shasta.

The footprint of the Park Fire in Butte and Tehama counties as of July 31, 2024.

Efforts to combat the blaze involve thousands of firefighters, supported by federal resources and inter-state assistance, including resources from Texas. Despite these efforts, the fire has destroyed 567 structures and damaged 51 others, significantly impacting communities such as Cohasset, where numerous buildings have been lost.

Environmental concerns are also prominent, with the fire threatening the habitat of endangered species and causing severe air quality issues as far as Reno, Nevada. Additionally, the potential for toxic runoff from fire retardant into waterways poses a risk to local fish populations.o ensure public safety