MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. -- More than 200 National Guard Airmen were deployed Wednesday to the Telegraph Fire burning in Mariposa County. The troops have just completed four days of firefighting training. They were taught about fire behavior and how to create a fire containment line.

"Everyone was eager to raise their hand for this crucial and potentially dangerous mission, which demonstrates the great volunteer spirit we have in the National Guard," said Col. Jonathan Flaugher, Commander for the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno. "I'm glad to know they're right here in our backyard protecting precious lives and property."

This is the third task force deployed under "Operation Lightning Strike", the mission name given for the battle against hundreds of wildfires sparked by a a lightning storm in late June. Governor Schwarzenegger has called up 2,000 National Guard troops to help battle the California wildfires.