One UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and four crew members left Thursday and will be operating from Mather Airport near Sacramento. The helicopter and crew are expected to be in the area until Sept. 25 unless extended by request.
The Black Hawk is equipped with a collapsible Bambi Bucket, a fire suppression system, which holds approximately 660 gallons of water. They will be used to drop water on hot spots that are difficult for ground crews to access.
"Our highly trained and experienced Soldiers continue to be a sword and shield for the state and nation when called upon," said Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, adjutant general of Wyoming. "We have the capability to aid another state in need and provide another resource to California and their citizens to help mitigate the loss of life and property during what is now been
characterized as California's worst fire season on record."
The activation is in conjunction with National Guard Support to Civil Authorities (NGSCA) and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
EMAC is an all-hazards - all disciplines mutual aid compact that serves as the cornerstone of the nation's mutual aid system. EMAC offers assistance during governor-declared states of emergency or disaster through a responsive, straightforward system that allows states to send personnel, equipment, and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states. The National Guard deploys through EMAC in both State Active Duty and Title 32 statuses to assist the Member States.
"I know the people of Wyoming will join me in wishing them a safe journey and safe work," Gov. Mark Gordon said in a press briefing on Wednesday.
Arizona Army National Guard
PHOENIX, AZ by Sgt. Nicholas Moyte - Crews from the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 98th Aviation Troop Command, Arizona Army National Guard deployed to California.
In response to a request from the California Office of Emergency Services approximately 30 Arizona National Guard Citizen-Soldiers have been mobilized for approximately two weeks to help battle the wildfires raging throughout the state. This mobilization includes three UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters equipped with wildfire suppression capabilities and specially trained aircrews certified in wildfire response.
These helicopters are equipped with wildfire-fighting capabilities and were used earlier this year as part of the responses to at least two Arizona wildfires. After what the Arizona Guard called a record level of activations this year, they will now be use throughout California.
See also |
Black Hawk in
US Army Aviation Wyoming National Guard US Army Aviation Arizona National Guard US Army Aviation CAL FIRE State of California 
