CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Colorado National Guard members are on duty assisting the Spring Fire incident commander with traffic control points in Costilla County beginning July 1, 2018.
With the addition of 32 members requested by the governor for arrival July 3, there will be more than 50 Colorado Army National Guard members and 10 Colorado Air National Guard members supporting security throughout the affected area.
Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crews, equipped with aerial water buckets, from the Chief Warrant Officer 5 David R. Carter Army Aviation Support Facility based at Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado, arrived at or around 2 p.m., July 2, and are expected to conduct firefighting operations following reception and a flight briefing.
“We are here to help our neighbors in Huerfano and Costilla County to save lives, prevent suffering and mitigate great property damage,” Director of the Joint Staff U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory White said.
The CONG has been providing an aviation search and rescue standby capability in support of the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center since July 1. The High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site facility in Gypsum, Colorado, is supporting the mission which is rapid response to aviation search and rescue missions, primarily for firefighter safety, in support of multiple wildfire responses throughout Colorado.
On order of the Governor, the standing Joint Task Force - Centennial commands and integrates CONG forces to support civil authorities in assisting Colorado, or supported states, during times of crisis and disaster, to save lives, prevent suffering, and mitigate great property damage.