Soldiers that left Wisconsin in mid-August to support California and Washington with firefighting operations continue to battle wildfires, and their mission will continue through mid-September.
One helicopter and six personnel from several units assigned to West Bend’s Army Aviation Support Facility #2 are supporting Washington with medevac support, while two aircraft and 17 personnel from Madison’s 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation are assisting the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFire) with general aviation support and firefighting operations.
“The mission to California is to support CALFire wildland firefighting,” said Lt. Col. Dan Allen, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation in Madison. “The aircraft will utilize Bambi Buckets capable of carrying up to 660 gallons of water and dropping water where needed.”
To date, Wisconsin crews flying UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation have dropped 184 buckets, totaling approximately 130,000 gallons of water on the Caldor fire, which has burned 210,000 acres. Soldiers have accumulated 94 hours of flight time supporting the mission. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
