Colorado National Guard powers up helicopters for Cabin Lake Fire

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Nicole Manzanares | Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews with aircraft, equipped with aerial water buckets, from the Chief Warrant Officer 5 David R. Carter Army Aviation Support Facility based at Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado, depart the Spring Fire helibase, in Fort Garland, Colo., to support fire suppression efforts July 3, 2018. The team arrived and began operations July 2. The CONG has supported the Spring Fire since July 1, 2018, providing capabilities to include: security personnel for traffic control points and roving patrols; two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews and aircraft each equipped with aerial water buckets; geological information system operators; as well as, refueling crews with Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical refueling trucks and firefighters with HEMTT firefighting vehicles. The CONG has been providing an aviation search and rescue standby capability in support of the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center since July 1. The High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site facility in Gypsum, Colorado, is supporting the mission which is rapid response to aviation search and rescue missions, primarily for firefighter safety, in support of multiple wildfire responses throughout Colorado. On order of the Governor, the standing Joint Task Force - Centennial commands and integrates CONG forces to support civil authorities in assisting Colorado, or supported states, during times of crisis and disaster, to save lives, prevent suffering, and mitigate great property damage. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicole Manzanares)  

CENTENNIAL, COLORADO, UNITED STATES

08.14.2018

Courtesy Story

Colorado National Guard

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – By order of the Governor, the Colorado National Guard is sending aviation assets to assist the Cabin Lake Fire Incident Commander with aerial fire suppression in Rio Blanco County, Colorado.

Crews are expected on site at Rifle Airport, Rifle, Colorado, Aug. 14, 2018.

The support includes two UH-60 Black Hawk crews and helicopters, equipped with aerial water buckets, from the Chief Warrant Officer 5 David R. Carter Army Aviation Support Facility based at Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado, and are expected to conduct firefighting operations following reception and a flight briefing.

“We’re here to help our neighbors in Rio Blanco County,” Director of the Joint Staff U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory White said. “We’ll continue to support our Colorado communities during this active wildfire season.”

The CONG continues to provide aviation search-and-rescue capabilities in support of the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center 24/7/365. The High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site facility in Gypsum, Colorado, safeguards firefighting personnel.

On order of the Governor, the standing Joint Task Force - Centennial commands and integrates CONG forces to support civil authorities in Colorado, or supported states, during times of crisis and disaster, to save lives, prevent suffering, and mitigate great property damage.

• Date Taken: 08.14.2018
• Date Posted: 08.14.2018 17:09
• Story ID: 288750
• Location: CENTENNIAL, COLORADO, US