California is on fire—literally. Every year, wildfires grow more intense, more destructive, and more deadly. Right now, hundreds of our National Guard troops trained for wildfire response are instead unnecessarily stationed in Los Angeles, pulled away from their critical mission to monitor protests.

This decision, made by federal officials over the objections of our state leaders, is not just unnecessary—it’s dangerous. With peak wildfire season underway, Governor Gavin Newsom has already warned that we’re short-staffed. And the top military commander on the ground agrees: Gen. Gregory Guillot has formally requested that 200 troops be returned to wildfire duty immediately.

The Pentagon has not yet approved the request.

Our homes, communities, and lives should not be put at risk for the sake of a political show of force. These troops are trained to fight fires, not people. Let them do the job they signed up for.

Sign this petition to urge Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to grant the request and send California’s National Guard wildfire fighters back to where they’re needed most—on the frontlines of climate disaster.

Photo: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times