National Guard soldiers and aircrews from at least eight states have responded to assist with wildfires this year, according to U.S. defense officials.
National Guard Aircrews Fight Wildfires
Department of Defense is now integrating climate change considerations at all levels, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said.
Key Takeaways:
- National Guard units from at least eight states are increasingly deployed to combat widespread wildfires across the U.S., filling gaps where ground-level first responders are limited.
- The Department of Defense (DOD) has identified climate change as a significant and worsening national security threat, directly linking it to the increase in extreme weather events like wildfires.
- With nearly 48,000 fires burning over 6.5 million acres this year, National Guard aircrews undergo specialized training, though their aerial water drops primarily aim to prevent fire spread rather than extinguish large blazes.
- The DOD is integrating climate change considerations into all levels of its planning, strategy, and risk analyses, acknowledging its impact on military operations and global stability.
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