() Ten Navy helicopters have been dispatched to Los Angeles County as part of the federal response to wildfires that continue to burn and are responsible for at least five deaths.

The U.S. Department of Defense sent the helicopters, which were expected to join the response to the wildfires as early as Thursday. President Joe Biden authorized a major disaster declaration Wednesday to offer more resources for those affected. Biden was scheduled to address the federal response to the wildfires Thursday.

The disaster declaration allows those impacted by the wildfires to access disaster funds immediately. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also approved a fire management grant, which will reimburse the state of California for costs it has devoted to firefighting efforts.

Federal officials said the California National Guard has activated the military helicopters and is in the process of preparing mission plans. More than 600 national guardsmen have joined the effort to assist local firefighters.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said more than 7,500 members are joining the effort to battle the wildfires. Assistance is also being offered by neighboring states and Canada after the U.S. aided the Canadian government in fighting wildfires last year.

A Navy spokesman told The Orange County Register that the helicopters, known as MH-605 Seahawks, are operated by a San Diego-based squadron. The aircraft are capable of carrying a sling, which can hold water buckets, the newspaper reported.

The Navy, which typically uses helicopters to carry troops out of combat zones and does not usually assist with civilian firefighting efforts, has an agreement with CalFire, the spokesman told The Orange County Register.