MATHER AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. – Crews from the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, were certified to perform water bucket operations here July 2, becoming the only rescue unit in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard qualified to fight fires.

Once outfitted with the necessary firefighting equipment, the dozers will be strategically placed at the fire site where they are most needed. The dozers will be manned by California National Guard Soldiers from throughout northern California. According to the men who operate the, these heavy machines are capable of doing the work of 150 people.

Once again the California National Guard has been called to action in support of civil authorities. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called the CNG to duty on June 22, 2008 to assist Cal FIRE in fighting California wild fires. As of June 25, 2008 the CNG has provided 7 helicopters, including a firehawk for aerial fire suppression and two fixed wing aircraft for aerial reconnaissance and fire mapping.

MATHER FIELD, Calif. — The California National Guard (CNG), with support from National Guard equipment and personnel from various other states is currently providing twelve rotary aircraft, eight fixed-wing aircraft, and more than 200 personnel to assist in extinguishing various northern California wildfires today.