Colorado Army National Guard and Fort Carson respond to Black Forest fire

Colorado Guard Aircrews Assist in Black Forest Fire Relief
From a Colorado National Guard
News Release

CENTENNIAL, Colo., June 12, 2013 – The Colorado Army National Guard and Fort Carson are assisting civil authorities with firefighting support at the Black Forest fire in El Paso County, Colo.

Four helicopters -- a UH-60 Black Hawk from the Colorado Army National Guard and three helicopters from Fort Carson -- are helping to fight the fires.

In addition, a Colorado Army National Guard UH-72 Lakota helicopter is providing aerial reconnaissance on the fire and will be on standby for search and rescue.

Each Black Hawk helicopter is equipped with a bucket capable of carrying and delivering nearly 500 gallons of water at a time.

The Colorado Army National Guard is operating under immediate response authority to assist the El Paso County Sheriff’s Department in fighting the Black Forest fire.

“We, as members of the National Guard, see it fit to always be available and ready to support those in need,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards, Colorado’s adjutant general. “It’s our highest priority to respond immediately in times of need. We are neighbors helping neighbors. That’s why we serve.”

The Colorado Army National Guard helicopters and crews launched from the Army Aviation Support Facility on Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo., and are members of 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation.

The helicopters and crews from Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo., are members of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade and launched from the fort’s Butts Army Airfield.