As wildfires burn across the state, the Washington National Guard continues to provide aviation, hand crew and security support to communities and firefighters working to contain the fires.
Since the wildfire response began on July 19, Washington National Guard aviation crews have flown 225 flight hours, dropping more than 1,400 buckets and nearly 1.2 million gallons of water to fires across eastern and central Washington.
While weather, winds, and smoke conditions play a major part in the day-to-day operations, for the aircrews flying those missions, the overall conditions present unique challenges.
"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, 96th Aviation Troop Command and a pilot supporting wildfire operations.
Robillard says crews are navigating high altitudes, high winds, limited visibility, heavy smoke, and extreme heat, while operating around civilian aircraft, firefighters on the ground, and areas where radio communications can be limited.
"I would argue that, in many respects, this flying is every bit as challenging—if not more challenging—than combat flying," said Robillard.
The mission requires more than skilled aircrews. Fuelers, maintainers, flight operations personnel, and military liaisons work behind the scenes to keep aircraft in the air and crews ready to respond.
"And so far, our crews are doing an absolutely fantastic job," said Robillard. "I'm incredibly proud of our aircrews and our ground support personnel. They are absolutely crushing it while operating in some of the harshest conditions and most demanding flying environments an aircrew will ever experience."
The Guard's support also extends to the ground. Since August 1, hand crews have been working alongside firefighting agencies from across the country. Crews are conducting fire line construction, hose lays, mop-up, debris clearing, brushing and chipping operations at the Little Giant Fire near Leavenworth. Guard hand crews have provided additional manpower for demanding ground operations.
"Your team is great. We have 105 go-getters that come in and say, 'What can we do?' and they work all day until we tell them it's time to stop. And we really enjoy having them here," said Craig Covey, Fire Incident Management at the Little Giant Fire.
U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, Washington's 8th Congressional District representative, recently visited Guard personnel and fire fighters supporting the Little Giant Fire mission to give thanks.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you and everything that you are doing for Washington,” said Schrier.
In Spokane, Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen are supporting local authorities by manning 20 traffic control points in support of the Spokane Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff's Office. For Washington Army National Guard Lt. Col. Dan Wessman, a Spokane resident and Gonzaga University graduate, the mission has provided a unique opportunity to serve his hometown.
"As a Spokane guy myself, I am truly humbled about the community and the outpouring of support for all our soldiers and airmen and the first responders who are here to help," said Wessman.
Currently 345 Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen, as well as 20 Washington State Guard members are activated in support of wildfire missions. Their impact on the mission can be felt in the communities they are serving.
"Our job is to be there when Washington needs us, and that's exactly what our soldiers and airmen are doing," said Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, adjutant general of the Washington National Guard. "We're bringing the capabilities of the National Guard to the table, working alongside the agencies leading these responses and doing whatever we can to help protect Washington communities. Whether it's putting water on a fire, building fire lines, clearing debris, or supporting local law enforcement, our people are ready to serve wherever they're needed."