The Colorado National Guard continues aerial firefighting in support of the incident commander overseeing the Cache Creek Fire in Garfield County, Colorado.
As of Aug. 17, 2018, crews flew more than 36 flight hours, performed over 313 water dips and dropped more than 153,700 gallons of water on the fire.
Aircrews flying two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters equipped with aerial water buckets have been operating from Rifle Airport in Rifle, Colorado, since Aug. 14, 2018.
“Colorado National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are putting their training to work to help protect people and property in Garfield County,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory White, commander of Joint Task Force-Centennial.
On order of the Governor, the standing Joint Task Force – Centennial commands and integrates CONG forces to support civil authorities in Colorado, or supported states, during times of crisis and disaster, to save lives, prevent suffering, and mitigate great property damage.
The helicopters and crews launched from the Chief Warrant Officer 5 David R. Carter Army Aviation Support Facility based at Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado.
This release corrects an initial news release dated Aug. 14, 2018, which incorrectly stated that aviation assets were helping suppress the Cabin Lake Fire. All requests for support have been focused, thus far, on the Cache Creek Fire.
