The California Air National Guard has deployed an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle in support of efforts to stop a wildfire that is ravaging more than 160,000 acres in the state. The aircraft, assigned to the Guard’s 163rd Reconnaissance Wing, is providing constant surveillance for state and federal agencies charged with battling the blaze. Its operations are limited to an area within 30 nautical miles of the fire. The California Air National Guard is providing other assets for other blazes, including two C-130J Hercules air tankers, six UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The fixed-wing aircraft are dumping water and fire retardant on the fires; the helicopters are fulfilling a variety of roles, which include firefighting and medical evacuation.
