Photo By Staff Sgt. Cayce Watson | Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division...... read more read more
Inchelium, Wash.– About 250 Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., arrived at the Inchelium Forward Operating Base Aug. 9 to assist civilian fire fighters in containing the Modrite fire in eastern Washington, about two hours northwest of Spokane.
At the request of the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group, located at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, U.S. Northern Command these U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, to support the wildland fire ground response operation in the Pacific Northwest.
The Soldiers completed initial wildland firefighter training with the U.S. Forest Service earlier in July. They received additional equipment and on-site familiarization Aug. 10.
“The Soldiers integrated right away with the experienced civilian fire crews,” said Maj. Donald A. Galatis, 1-23 Bn. Executive Officer. “They’ll work side-by-side doing the tasks the experienced wildland fire strike team leaders and crew bosses assign them. They are eager to help protect lives, land and infrastructure in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.”
U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command, U.S. Northern Command’s Joint Force Land Component Command, is overseeing the military ground operation in support of federal and state efforts.
“Our Soldiers are well-trained and ready to respond quickly and effectively to assist in protecting people, property, and public lands,” said Brig. Gen. Jerry E. Baird, Jr., USAWHC deputy commanding general - Homeland and commander of Task Force 51, the contingency command post-CONUS element for Army DSCA operations. “This mission underscores our unwavering dedication to the Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission.”
The Department of War has been a key wildland firefighting partner for decades, providing unique capabilities and resources to the national response effort.
For more information on military activations for civilian wildfire support, please visit https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/military-support.
For the latest news and imagery from DOW Wildland Firefighting support, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/DOWWFF26.
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.11.2026 12:59 |
| Story ID: | 572011 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 95 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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