Wyoming National Guard activates C-130s to fight LA wildfires

Three Wyoming Air National Guard C-130s equipped with the U.S. Forest Service’s Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, or MAFFS, and associated personnel were activated by U.S. Northern Command to support firefighting efforts in the Los Angeles area, California, January 10, 2025.

Three C-130 aircraft from the 153rd Airlift Wing will travel to Channel Islands Air National Guard Base in California, where they will provide critical assistance to the state’s firefighting apparatus.  They will be accompanied by a fourth C-130 support aircraft from Colorado. 

Wyoming’s participation is part of a more significant effort spearheaded by the U.S. Northern Command, working with the U.S. Forest Service and Air National Guard aircraft and crews from Nevada, Colorado and California. 

“It has been difficult to watch the absolute devastation of the wildfires in California,” said Col. Brian Diehl, the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing commander. “We’re honored to be able to participate in our nation’s efforts to combat these fires and return normalcy to the people and communities of Southern California, and as soon as possible.”

Approximately 40 aircrew and maintenance personnel will deploy.