An Idaho Army National Guard UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crew conducts water bucket training near Lucky Peak Reservoir May 19, 2026.
Idaho National Guard aviation crews conducted the training alongside Idaho Department of Lands personnel May 19 and 20 in preparation for the 2026 fire season. The IDL experts employed reflective panels to simulate active fires and communicated with Army National Guard pilots to maximize the efficiency of each 530-gallon bucket of water dropped.
In addition to the fleet of Black Hawks and crews standing by to support seasonal wildland firefighting efforts, Orchard Fire and Emergency Services is providing initial and refresher Wildland Firefighter 2 training to Idaho National Guard members. To date, more than 250 Idaho Guardsmen have completed the qualification course, ensuring they are ready to work fire lines in support ground operations.
| Date Taken: | 05.19.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2026 12:44 |
| Photo ID: | 9718145 |
| VIRIN: | 260519-O-IB272-1553 |
| Resolution: | 2048x1367 |
| Size: | 1.58 MB |
| Location: | BOISE, IDAHO, US |
| Web Views: | 35 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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