‘Unprecedented’ task force: How Los Angeles is fighting fire
Cutting-edge aircraft and technology are being used to contain the flames. Helicopters with water buckets and air tankers equipped with the MAFFS system are being used in the most critical areas, as reported by Military.com. The MAFFS is a self-contained unit that can be installed in the cargo compartment of military or commercial aircraft. It consists of a tube that projects water and flame retardants. Two new C-130 aircraft from the Nevada National Guard were prepared to reinforce the efforts.
The use of the Super Scooper aircraft, essential in combat, was interrupted after a collision with a drone. The tanker plane loaned by Canada is capable of dropping large volumes of water into critical areas. It will need repairs before returning to operations, said the Los Angeles County Fire Department, cited by RFI
The federal government promised 100% coverage of response costs for six months. This aid includes removing debris, building shelters and paying first responders, as announced by President Joe Biden.
Check out some initiatives announced by the Los Angeles government:
- Mobilization of firefighters and equipment: more than 7,500 firefighters and emergency teams mobilized, including 4,700 from CAL FIRE, with support from 1,002 fire trucks, 138 specialized teams, 53 tractors and 23 water tankers, in addition to 31 helicopters and 6 air tankers.
- Interstate partnerships: Interstate partnerships provided 75 fire trucks from Oregon, 45 from Washington, 10 from Utah, 25 from Idaho and 5 from New Mexico, increasing response capacity.
- Military Effort: the California National Guard mobilized more than 600 members, with 10 helicopters and 2 C-130 planes configured for firefighting, in addition to organizing 8 new work teams.
- Logistical support and infrastructure: The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) mobilized 600 employees to clear roads, restore traffic equipment and keep 40 signals operational with batteries and generators.
- Assistance to victims: The California Department of Social Services opened 4 emergency shelters housing approximately 500 people and distributed assistance guides to affected communities, including immigrants.
- Public health monitoring: The California Department of Public Health activated the Medical Health Coordination Center, monitoring impacts on hospitals and healthcare facilities in hard-hit areas.
