Photo By Senior Airman Serena Smith | California National Guard Soldiers work with the California Highway Patrol to operate...... read more read more
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Jan. 21, 2025
By Senior Airman Serena Smith
PASADENA, Calif. - California National Guardsmen are working together to respond to the aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires, which have devastated homes and businesses.
Over 200 Guardsmen set up camp at the Rose Bowl ICP, in Pasadena, to work with local law enforcement and federal agencies to man traffic control points, or TCPs.
Over 1,800 Guardsmen have been activated to help fight the fires and respond to the aftermath.
“We help them by making sure certain streets are cleared off, blocked off, ensuring first responders have easy access to their destinations to put out fires,” said U.S. Army Spc. Roger Bailon, a calvary scout assigned to the California Army National Guard’s 1st Squadron 18th Cavalry Regiment A Troop.
Guardsmen are working in 12-hour shifts at these TCPs, partnering with the California Highway Patrol to deter looting and secure areas while agencies repair power and water lines and clear hazardous sites.
“It's very devastating seeing how many civilians lost their homes and how many needed evacuations immediately,” said Bailon. “That’s what really had me engaged was helping those people in need.”
More than 3,400 personnel are working at the Rose Bowl ICP to combat the Palisades and Eaton fires. Combined, the fires burned through nearly 38,000 acres and claimed 27 lives, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing and 144th Fighter Wing have also responded, supporting Soldiers mobilizing to the site. Upon arrival, they set up 20 tents, most housing 20-25 service members, providing a more comfortable resting space.
“Having the tent available creates a barrier between us and all elements that are out there, especially with all the burning and devastation that just happened not too far from here. There's a lot of chemicals and airborne pathogens out there,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Elvin Ortega, a combat medic assigned to California Army National Guard’s C Company 40th Brigade Support Battalion. “If we were sleeping outside we'd probably all have to sleep with masks on.”
The tents are equipped with HVAC systems for cooling and heating. Upgrading from the sleeper previously on site, the tents offer greater comfort and space to store gear and weapons.
“It's been a long day, but the cause couldn’t be any more tremendous,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Everette Blacknall, a non-commissioned officer in charge of emergency management, assigned to the 129th Rescue Wing. “You press through and fight through just to make sure the people that are here are well taken care of.”
The Guardsmen began preparing days before they got the call to mobilize. Blacknall said his team started organizing equipment as soon as they learned about the fires, proactively gathering information and formulating a plan.
“If we stay ready, we don’t have to spend time getting ready,” Blacknall said.
It remains unclear how long the Guardsmen will stay in the area, but they are prepared to remain until their mission is complete.
“When it comes to being in the Guard, I can more directly impact my local community. Here as a Guardsman, I am directly here, I am directly helping my state,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott Nelson, an emergency manager assigned the the 129th Rescue WIng, and a Los Angeles native. “That’s probably been the most rewarding part of being in the Air National Guard.”
The California National Guard is committed to readiness and response for a variety of disaster relief and civil support events.
| Date Taken: | 01.21.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.23.2025 16:45 |
| Story ID: | 489432 |
| Location: | PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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