California National Guard and US military activated to help with Los Angeles wildfires, stop looting

The California National Guard has been activated to help with the wildfires raging across Los Angeles, as well as to stop the looting.

Over 600 National Guard soldiers and 200 military police officers have been activated, according to the The Washington Times.

A Pentagon spokeswoman said that the number of military personnel may increase.

“We are actively planning and preparing capabilities and resources, and are working closely with [the Federal Emergency Management Agency] and the state of California to provide support and to ensure a unified response to the wildfires,” the spokesperson said.

U.S. Northern Command is sending eight C-130 planes and crews coming from National Guard units in California, Nevada, Wyoming and Colorado. The aircraft are equipped with the “Modular Aerial Fire Fighting System” (MAFFS), which allows a standard cargo aircraft to act as an aerial firefighter, according to the outlet. 

According to local media, 20 people have been arrested for looting homes during the wildfires. 

“Twenty individuals chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property,” L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said during a press conference.

The wildfires raging through Los Angeles began earlier this week and have resulted in more than 10,000 structures and homes having been damaged or burnt down.