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Washington National Guard fighting largest fire in Wash. state history

Rescue and wellness efforts to continue for another two-week stint

Guardsmen from 1-303rd and D Co. 181st BSB, perform mop up duty on the Chiwaukum Fire near Leavenworth, Wash. Photo credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jason Kriess

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The Okanogan County fire is now the largest in Washington state history, both because it spans close to a 400-square-mile area and because the cost of fighting it is estimated to be $50 million.

July 23, President Barack Obama signed an emergency disaster declaration for Chelan and Okanogan counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, located nearby. The declaration makes federal emergency aid available to supplement state and local response efforts in the area affected by wildfires. Furthermore, the action authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and to provide assistance for emergency measures to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety.

However, FEMA is working in conjunction with the 350 members of the Washington National Guard who have been on state active duty since the fires began in mid-July. 

"When we first got out there the work was more on the reactionary scale rather than trying to fight the fire itself because the winds were so strong," explained CW2 Leilani Aho. "We focused on structure protection first and then our mission outside of that was laying water on the harder to reach areas that water trucks and firefighters themselves could not access."

Aho, a Blackhawk pilot who flies as part of the 1-140th Aviation Regiment (Assault), stated that the first days were especially tough because the temperature was in the triple digits, which, coupled with heavy winds, reduced firefighting capability.

She and her fellow citizen soldiers were tasked with water drops near Winthrop, Wash., in the 250,000-acre area known as the Carlton Complex. As of July 28, the Washington National Guard had dropped one million gallons of water on the fires, yet they are reportedly only 67 percent contained so far.

"This was my first wildfire experience," explained the pilot, who has been flying for just over a year. "It is overwhelming but it is interesting how your mindset kicks into gear - it's mentally and physically demanding for sure, but you know it is for the greater good."

>>> 1st Lt. Shaun Neil, B Co.. 1-161st Infantry. works in Pateros at the high school, which is currently a donation center for food and water, clothing and household items. Photo credit: PFC Brianne Patterson

Coincidentally, 250 National Guardsmen completed training at the Yakima Training Center last week, achieving their Red Card wildfire certification from the Department of Natural Resources. The certification means that they are now prepared to serve as ground support for wildfires across the state. The 100 Guardsmen that earned the same certification last year are currently supporting the Chiwaukum Complex fire near Leavenworth, Wash.

"With fire season historically kicking off in August we need to have as many Guardsmen trained as possible," explained Capt. Joseph Siemandel, State Public Affairs officer for the Washington National Guard.

"We are definitely well-trained for it and prepared to handle this," Aho said. "And we are all glad that we are able to help."

This coming Monday, Aho and her fellow Guardsmen will head back out to continue fire containment and assisting with rescue and wellness efforts for another two-week stint.

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