U.S. National Guard Aids Wildfire Suppression in Hawaii and Oregon

The Hawaiʻi National Guard supported firefighting on the Kawaihae Road wildfire on July 26, deploying a Black Hawk helicopter for 22 water‑dropping missions that delivered more than 14,520 gallons of water. The fire burned hundreds of acres in South Kohala, prompting an overnight evacuation of the Kawaihae Village Subdivision that was lifted the next day. By the time the Guard’s mission ended, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department reported the blaze was 65% contained. The operation, called Hoʻopauahi, was authorized by Governor Josh Green’s emergency proclamation covering June 1 through November 30, providing funding for flight operations, refueling and maintenance during the wildfire season.

In eastern Oregon, two Army National Guard CH‑47 Chinook helicopters and two HH‑60M Black Hawk helicopters began water‑bucket missions on July 29 to combat the Hagen Fire in Umatilla County. The fire had burned roughly 33,500 acres and was only 3% contained. Guard aircrews completed 44 drops, delivering about 50,070 gallons of water. The aircraft operate from the Army Aviation Support Facility in Pendleton under a state active‑duty order, with coordination from the Oregon Department of Forestry and Cal Fire, and are maintained by a dedicated ground crew.