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
Members of the 51st Civil Support Team, Michigan National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and other responders are on the St. Marys River during the culminating training event for Operation Iron Wave at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Operation Iron Wave is an interagency training exercise that prepares local, state and federal agencies to respond to threats against critical infrastructure. Photo by Capt. Cameron McPhail.
Michigan Guard Strengthens Emergency Response Partnerships
By Capt. Cameron McPhail, | Aug. 5, 2026
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Military personnel including the Michigan National Guard, first responders and government agencies from across the nation came together July 27-31 during Operation Iron Wave, a multi-day joint...

Air Force Brig. Gen. Phillip L. Mallory, Hawaii Air National Guard commander, passes the Headquarters Hawaii Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Flight guidon to Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Buendia, Headquarters Hawaii Air National Guard Recruiting Flight commander, symbolizing Buendia's acceptance of command of the flight during the unit's activation ceremony held at Pearl Highlands Center in Pearl City, Hawaii, Aug. 1, 2026. Before the flight’s activation, recruiting and retention efforts fell under the Hawaii Air National Guard personnel directorate. The establishment of the Hawaii Air National Guard’s first dedicated Recruiting and Retention Flight creates a team focused on recruiting new Airmen, retaining experienced personnel and strengthening accession support across the organization. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Orlando Corpuz.
Hawaii Air Guard Establishes Recruiting and Retention Flight
By Tech. Sgt. Orlando Corpuz, | Aug. 5, 2026
PEARL CITY, Hawaii – The Hawaii Air National Guard activated its first Recruiting and Retention Flight during a ceremony Aug. 1 at the Hawaii Air National Guard recruiting offices in Pearl Highlands Center, establishing a...

A U.S. Air Force special tactics Airman from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing jumps into Henry E. Rohlsen Airport near Christiansted in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Aug. 26, 2025 as part of Emerald Warrior 25.2, a large-scale special operations exercise being staged in multiple locations by Air Force Special Operations Command. The Airman, joined by 10 other combat controllers and pararescuemen, took control of the airfield to receive follow-on aircraft in support of simulated combat and contingency operations. Photo by Phil Speck.
Air National Guard Details Bonuses, Policy Changes Amid ‘Summer Surge Incentives’
By Master Sgt. Erich Smith, | Aug. 4, 2026
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Air National Guard is rolling out sweeping recruiting and retention transformation initiatives – removing accession barriers, expanding enterprise support and reshaping how it competes for the talent...