National Guard troops are returning home after spending more than six weeks battling fires that ravaged more than 300,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of houses and buildings in Washington.
Army Guard helicopter crews flew nearly 500 hours while completing more than 2,100 water bucket drops. The choppers delivered nearly 2 million gallons of water on six fires that stretched across the central and eastern part of the state, officials said Tuesday.
The helicopter crews contended with high winds, heavy smoke, and extreme heat while coordinating with firefighters on the ground in areas where radio communications can be limited.
“These aircrews are performing some of the most tactically and technically challenging flying they will experience in their entire careers,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Robillard, a pilot with the Washington Army National Guard’s 96th Aviation Troop Command.
National Guard soldiers also spent 28 days on the fire line, conducting more than 34 miles of mop-up operations and laying out thousands of feet of fire hose needed to extinguish the fast-moving flames.
“Their work helped strengthen fire lines, extinguish hot spots, and provide additional capacity for professional wildland firefighters working to contain one of Washington’s largest fires of the season,” National Guard officials said.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general of the Washington State National Guard, said his troops were prepared to protect local communities against the fires.
“Whether it’s putting water on a fire, building fire lines, cleaning debris or supporting local law enforcement, our people are ready to serve wherever they are needed,” Gen. Welsh said.
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