An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Aug. 9, 2017

National Guard personnel in Oregon and Montana helping wildfire battles

By Oregon National Guard

SALEM, Oregon - The Oregon Army National Guard announced Tuesday that about 25 personnel continue to support the Oregon Department of Forestry with firefighting efforts at the Whitewater Fire in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area east of Detroit, Oregon.

Besides the troops, two CH-47 Chinook helicopters (equipped with nearly 2,000-gallon capacity water buckets), with 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, based in Pendleton, Oregon, are assisting with wildfire suppression efforts.

The Oregon National Guard was requested to assist following Gov. Kate Brown's declaration of a state of emergency.

And, near Philipsburg, Montana, about 15 Army National Guard personnel from the Montana National Guard are providing wildfire support to local authorities. Besides the Soldiers, the Montana National Guard is contributing two fuel trucks and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter, according to the National Guard Bureau.

 

 

Related Articles
Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers unload a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from a Hawaii Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 204th Airlift Squadron at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Aug. 1, 2026. The aircraft’s arrival marked the first deployment of a Hawaii Army National Guard Black Hawk to the Philippines, supporting bilateral aviation training under the Hawaii-Philippines State Partnership Program. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy.
State Partnership Program Links Global Partnership to Defense Priorities
By National Guard Bureau | Aug. 26, 2026
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Senior leaders and security cooperation personnel from across the Department of War gathered for the annual National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program (SPP) conference to align activities and engagements...

Students gather at training stations during a practical lab session as part of the Armed Forces Advanced Trauma Training at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 20, 2026. Facilitated by the Global Training Institute, the program uses hands-on instruction and scenarios to ensure Department of War medical personnel are equipped with advanced, lifesaving tactical medical skills required to respond to complex trauma scenarios. Photo by Staff Sgt. Alancea Grant.
West Virginia Air Guard Trains for Complex Trauma Response
By Staff Sgt. Alancea Grant, | Aug. 26, 2026
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Eleven members of the West Virginia Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives, or CBRNE, Enhanced Response Force Package, or CERF-P, pushed their...

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Denlis, a firefighter with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, and the Lajes Field Fire Department, simulate a motor vehicle accident scenario at Lajes Field, Portugal, on Aug. 10, 2026. The 121st Air Refueling Wing and Lajes firefighters strengthened NATO partnerships by working side by side during duty days, sharing expertise and learning from one another to enhance readiness. Photo by Staff Sgt. Ivy Thomas.
Ohio Guard Airmen Enhance Readiness in Portugal
By Staff Sgt. Ivy Thomas, | Aug. 26, 2026
LAJES FIELD AIR BASE, Portugal – Airmen and firefighters from the Ohio National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing, the 65th Air Base Group and the Lajes Field Fire Department trained together in Portugal during a deployment...