Black Hawk helicopters drafted in to fight fires in Colorado

The Colorado National Guard in the US has been drafted in to assist with the aerial suppression of fires in Rio Blanco County.

Called into action by the Governor, the crews will be helping the Cabin Lake Fire Incident Commander. 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 in Aurora, Colorado, have been sent to fight the blaze, and landed at Rifle Airport on 14 August.

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