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Wisconsin Guard Black Hawks respond to large wildfire

April 13, 2023 //
Vaughn R. Larson, Department of Military Affairs
A Wisconsin Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the Madison-based Army Aviation Support Facility #2 carries a Bambi bucket to support fire suppression efforts near Necedah in Juneau County the afternoon of April 12. The Wisconsin National Guard responded to a request for assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The wildfire there affected more than 2,800 acres. Black Hawk crews used Bambi buckets to help suppress the fire. The large wildfire was reported to be nearly 50 percent contained the morning of April 13. Wisconsin National Guard Black Hawk helicopters will continue to assist fire suppression efforts there as needed.  Photo courtesy of Kristen Keehan  

Two Wisconsin Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in Madison, Wisconsin were dispatched April 12 to support wildfire suppression efforts near Necedah in Juneau County.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requested the Black Hawks to bolster emergency fire support for what it called the Black River complex — two wildfires in Juneau County. The Jack Pine fire area affected more than 80 acres and resulted in residents being evacuated, but was considered to be contained by Tuesday evening. The second fire was near Fort McCoy, Wisconsin and affected more than 2,800 acres. A public information officer with the DNR said that fire was roughly 50 percent contained as of April 13.

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A Wisconsin Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the Madison-based Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in the process of filling a Bambi bucket to support fire suppression efforts near Necedah in Juneau County the afternoon of April 12. The Wisconsin National Guard responded to a request for assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The wildfire there affected more than 2,800 acres. Black Hawk crews used Bambi buckets to help suppress the fire. The large wildfire was reported to be nearly 50 percent contained the morning of April 13. Wisconsin National Guard Black Hawk helicopters will continue to assist fire suppression efforts there as needed. Photo courtesy of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The Black Hawk helicopters employed Bambi buckets to drop water on the wildfire area. The DNR said three Black Hawks were also expected to support fire suppression efforts April 13.

Prior to the Black River complex fire, Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency April 12 in response to elevated wildfire conditions throughout the state. This emergency order allows the National Guard to be called to state active duty if needed.

“This is a real-time demonstration of the incredible value the Wisconsin National Guard provides,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general. “Our dual mission status makes critical assets like these Black Hawk aircraft available to the governor in emergencies such as this wildfire. Our Soldiers and Airmen continuously train to meet the needs of both our state and federal missions, whenever called upon.”

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