California Faces Backlash Over Disbanding of Volunteer Firefighting Unit Before Deadly Wildfires

Governor Gavin Newsom's administration defends the decision to dismantle Team Blaze as criticism mounts over delayed wildfire response and erased online records.

• Team Blaze, a volunteer firefighting unit praised in the past for its wildfire response capabilities, was disbanded by the Newsom administration in early 2024, allegedly for being 'inadequately trained.'
• Critics highlight that Team Blaze had been certified by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and was previously deployed to fight major wildfires, including the 2021 Dixie Fire.
• The disbanding left the California National Guard without Type II handcrews or specialized fire engines during the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, delaying response efforts by 10 days.
• In the wake of the controversy, Team Blaze’s website and social media accounts were removed, prompting allegations of an attempt to erase its existence.
• The wildfires have burned over 57,000 acres, destroyed 16,000 structures, and claimed at least 28 lives, intensifying scrutiny of the state’s emergency preparedness and leadership decisions.

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