St. Cloud National Guard unit sent to combat Washington wildfires
 

St. Cloud National Guard unit sent to combat Washington wildfires
By: Becca Most -- St. Cloud Times - 08-09-21
Re: https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/2...ke/5539092001/

Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard's St. Cloud-based C Company, 2-211 General Support Aviation Battalion will be sent to Washington to combat wildfires.

The 10 soldiers will provide medical evacuation support and aerial fire suppression with a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter. They left Saturday and will provide support for at least two weeks, depending on how fire containment efforts continue.

Gov. Tim Walz authorized the support Saturday following a request from Washington officials. Walz sent the soldiers through a request from the Emergency Management Assistance Combat, which allows a state to ask for resources based on their needs. Any state can respond, but are not required to participate.

More: How is Minnesota coping with the relentless fire season?

"Wildfires continue to put our fellow Americans’ lives at risk, and when disaster hits, Minnesotans have always stepped up to help out their neighbors. We continue to battle our own wildfires here in Minnesota, but we have the resources needed to manage those, and we are in a strong position to step up and help our fellow states,” said Walz in a press release. “I am proud that the Minnesota National Guard has answered this call to serve. These soldiers’ support will be critical to ensuring the safety of Washington residents during this harrowing time.”

Also; Heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires are visible in St. Cloud, MN
Re: https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/l...es/5430146001/

About this writer: Becca Most is a cities reporter with the St. Cloud Times.