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California National Guard Mobilizes to Help Battle Massive Wildfires

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Following an emergency declaration by California Gov. Jerry Brown, the state National Guard was mobilizing resources today to assist civil authorities in the battle against massive wildfires that have already killed 10 people.

California National Guard trains to battle wildfires
California National Guard soldiers receive instruction from CAL FIRE firefighters during crew training at Camp Roberts, Calif., Sept. 7, 2017. The troops headed out to the Salmon-August Complex Fire near Etna, Calif., the Mission Fire, near Oakhurst, Calif., and wherever else needed. More National Guard activity is expected Oct. 10, 2017, to combat fires that are ravaging California’s wine country and elsewhere. California Army National Guard photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney
California National Guard trains to battle wildfires
Cal Guard troops train up and head out to fight raging wildfires
California National Guard soldiers receive instruction from CAL FIRE firefighters during crew training at Camp Roberts, Calif., Sept. 7, 2017. The troops headed out to the Salmon-August Complex Fire near Etna, Calif., the Mission Fire, near Oakhurst, Calif., and wherever else needed. More National Guard activity is expected Oct. 10, 2017, to combat fires that are ravaging California’s wine country and elsewhere. California Army National Guard photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney
Photo By: Capt. Jason Sweeney
VIRIN: 170907-A-DP660-002

Helicopters Dispatched

Today, when fires broke out and rapidly spread due to dry conditions, the California National Guard dispatched three medevac helicopters and 100 military police officers, National Guard Bureau officials said.

Wildfires Destroy Homes, Businesses

The fires, many in California's iconic Napa Valley wine country, have destroyed more than 1,500 homes and businesses, and there were reports that schools were reduced to ashes.

Several residents and visitors were forced to evacuate, some in the middle of the night, according to news reports.

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