Gov. Gianforte Announces Mobilization of Montana National Guard for Wildfire Response

• July 22 2021

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced he is ordering two Montana National Guard helicopter support modules, including 24 soldiers, onto State Active Duty for 15 days to support the state’s wildfire response.

“These Montana National Guard soldiers are well-trained and well-prepared for this mobilization. On behalf of a grateful state, I want to thank these soldiers for joining our courageous firefighters and first responders on the frontlines in our state’s wildfire response,” Gov. Gianforte said. 

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) today put in a request for military support to aid in wildland fire suppression efforts.

The Montana National Guard will provide one UH-60 Black Hawk crew and support personnel to operate out of Billings to support fire suppression efforts for eastern Montana. One CH-47 Chinook crew and support personnel will operate out of Helena and provide support for the western side of the state.

As wildland fire incidents emerge and develop, additional requests for National Guard support will be considered, and future deployments of helicopter and ground support will be examined.

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