Calif. wants Corps for firefighting drill

[unhappycamper]

Calif. wants Corps for firefighting drill
By Michael R. Blood - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Nov 1, 2007 6:40:54 EDT

State firefighters want the Marines to commit to battling California wildfires after confusion over flight rules and the availability of military aircraft left some helicopters grounded early on in last week’s deadly blazes.

The California National Guard and the Navy train each year with state firefighters, and the drills pay off when aircraft are called in to fight fires, officials say.

But the Marines, whose Camp Pendleton base was close to the worst of the fires, have no comparable agreement, even though the state for years has recognized the need to improve how its military aircraft are deployed in wildfires.

“It would take time and effort, but it’s a commitment the Marine Corps should make,” said Mike Padilla, aviation chief for the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Maj. Alan Crouch, spokesman for Marine Corps Installation West in Southern California, said he couldn’t immediately comment on the possibility of entering into an agreement to train with state firefighters.

“We will continue to work closely with local officials and support their efforts,” Crouch said.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/10/ap_wildfiremarines_071030/