Minnesota Soldiers Assist in Fire Suppression

October 2, 2012
Courtesy of Minnesota National Guard
St. Paul, MN, United States

At the direction of Gov. Mark Dayton, two Minnesota National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with aircrew, maintenance and fuel support teams are assisting the ongoing efforts to control the fire near Fourtown, MN, today.

"Due to the low precipitation levels this past year, we anticipated there may be a request for our help in assisting with fire suppression efforts," said Army Major Scott J. Rohweder, chief of operations for the Minnesota National Guard's Joint Operations Center.

"We're working closely with the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center and Department of Natural Resources to manage support requests," said Rohweder.

"Army Aviation Support Facilities from St. Paul, Minnesota, are providing aircraft and a fuel truck," said Army Major Michael R. Barker, liaison officer for the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade, 34th Infantry Division. "Aircraft are scheduled to depart at 10:30 a.m. today and arrive at Thief River Falls [Regional] Airport, Thief River Falls, Minnesota. A total of thirteen Soldiers are supporting the fire suppression efforts."

"We train for proficiency in water bucket operations approximately twice a month from spring to late fall," said Army Captain Jed A. Gadient, supervisory instructor pilot. "This provides an opportunity for realistic training and maintaining readiness for missions such as this."

According to the Minnesota Incident Command System, the fire has burned approximately 600 acres and, due to changing wind conditions, is spreading south.