National Guard units to help battle Oregon wildfires

As Oregon continues to be an epicenter for Western wildfires this summer, Oregon National Guard units are being retasked to help battle the blazes.

The Oregon Department of Forestry has ordered four hand crews through the Oregon National Guard, to include Air Guard and Army Guard personnel.

The Guard members are being called up via Gov. Tina Kotek’s state of emergency declaration , which allows the Forestry Department to order firefighting resources as needed.

Since the declaration, the department already has ordered two medevac helicopters and other air support from the National Guard in support of multijurisdictional fires.

“The wildfire situation on the ground is dynamic and challenging, and we need all hands on deck,” Kotek said.

The four hand crews are comprised of 92 personnel: 22 firefighters per crew, two liaisons and two support personnel. Two of the crews will be staffed by Air Guard members and two will be staffed with Army Guard members.

So-called hand crews are assigned duties on wildland and prescribed fires that primarily consist of constructing fire lines with hand tools and chainsaws, burning out areas using drip torches and other firing devices, mop-up or clean-up, and rehabilitation of burned areas, according to the National Interagency Fire Center .

“This year’s extreme weather has tested our limits, but our unwavering commitment to protecting Oregon’s communities and natural resources remains,” said Kyle Williams, state deputy director of fire operations. “We are leveraging every resource available to fight the wildfires, including our partners at the Oregon National Guard.”

The Guard members will begin the process of being retasked on Wednesday and Thursday, July 31 and Aug. 1, and then will be assigned out to a fire through the forestry department from there. Their assignment will last 14 days in support of the U.S. Forest Service on multijurisdictional fires.

Neither agency reported which fires will get assistance from Guard members.

“The Oregon Guard is engaged and supporting first responders to what is shaping up to be another busy fire season,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, director of public affairs for the Oregon Military Department. “We are prepared to continue support as requested to assist our fellow Oregonians as needed.”

Jacque Buchanan, regional forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service, said the timing is critical. “Their assistance comes at a pivotal time and will bring a welcomed boost in suppression response capabilities on the numerous wildfires impacting our communities,” Buchanan said.