California Asks for Federal Troops to Battle Fires California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said his state is approaching a ``tipping point'' in its battle against more than 300 wildfires and needs federal help to turn the tide. The state requires assistance, including from the military, after lightning sparked the blazes, which have been exacerbated by high temperatures and dry grass and brush, Schwarzenegger wrote in a letter sent to Republican President George W. Bush today. ``With more lightning storms forecast for later this week, we sit at a critical tipping point in California that requires immediate federal help and aggressive pre-positioning of federal resources,'' wrote Schwarzenegger, also a Republican. ``I respectfully request federal active duty forces.'' More than 1,090 square miles, an area roughly the size of Rhode Island, has burned in California since June 21, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as Cal Fire. Excessive heat warnings and red flag warnings, which mean conditions are right for ``explosive fire growth,'' cover a 659-mile (1,060-kilometer) stretch from the Oregon border south to Los Angeles. White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said federal officials are working with California to help battle the blazes and are reviewing Schwarzenegger's request....