Helena, Mont. — A Montana National Guard helicopter crew left Helena to help fight wildfires in Washington state.
The crew took off aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with five National Guard members on board. The deployment came after the team trained with the aircraft Monday to make sure they are aligned on water drops in the correct fire areas.
The crew said they felt confident as they headed out to help a neighboring state. Montana National Guard pilot and command John Coleman said the team expects to stay in Washington for the next 15 days.
"It’s kind of why a lot of us, if not all of us joined, is to help out when needed so when a neighboring state needs some help, that’s why we’re here," said John Coleman.
The mission sent Montana National Guard members from Helena to Washington as crews prepare to support wildfire efforts in the Evergreen State.