Schwarzenegger promises to mobilize resources
Daily Press
SAN BERNARDINO — As wildfires continued to race across Southern California on Monday numerous firefighting aircraft remained on the ground, officials reported.
Two Navy combat helicopters fitted with water buckets were assisting in the firefighting efforts, said public affairs officer Brian O'Rourke of the U.S. Naval Base at Coronado.
But six other helicopters remained on the ground. O'Rourke said if requested the combat helicopters can be quickly retrofitted to help fight fires.
"The California Department of Forestry made the request (for two helicopters) through the Department of Defense which then contacts the units at Coronado to release the helicopters", O'Rourke said.
In addition to the helicopters, there are 28 firefighting crews from the base on the ground helping battle the blaze.
The Marines at Camp Pendleton have helicopters ready and available for fire fighting as well, but they apparently were not being used either, according to one state official speaking on condition of anonymity.
Local officials have the ability to request resources, like the helicopters but that it is unclear why San Bernardino and other counties are not using all of the available helicopters.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger requested four California National Guard helicopters to support the firefighting efforts of numerous Southern California wildfires.
"My administration is working closely with federal and local officials and will continue to assess what is needed to fight the fires in Southern California. Make no mistake about it: We will mobilize every resource necessary to protect lives and property affected by this disaster," Schwarzenegger said.
Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon met with fire officials and officials with the governor's office.
"I pledge to draw on any federal resources available throughout this process and in the days to come, McKeon said. "I will be working with the governor's office and local officials as we follow the progress of this disaster."
Copyright 2007 Daily Press
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