US West Virginia Guard helps fight large-scale wildfires

On 22 March, two West Virginia National Guard UH-60M and HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and personnel helped the West Virginia Division of Forestry battle large-scale wildfires in Hardy County, West Virginia.

The deployment of aircraft and personnel was in response to West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s state of emergency issued on 21 March for Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton counties due to “extensive forest fires”.

Major General Bill Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, commented: “Our aircrews have extensive experience in helping to combat wildland fires, and we will do all we can to help bring these fires under control to protect lives and property in the impacted communities.”

Lieutenant Colonel Todd Justice, Director of Joint Operations, added: “These fires are extensive, with a total of more than 4,000 acres burned thus far. We will do all we can to protect our fellow West Virginians and work to keep local responders safe.”

Last year, AirMed&Rescue looked into whether firefighting operators are doing enough to recruit, train and retain pilots.