Colorado National Guard prepared to help with wildfire search-and-rescues

DENVER (KRDO) -- Governor Jared Polis announced Friday afternoon that he has authorized the Colorado National Guard (CONG) to be ready to assist with search-and-rescues in areas affected by wildfires.

At the state's request, the CONG's UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter aircrew will provide search-and-rescue resources for incident commanders. The helicopter has a hoist that can quickly evacuate firefighters and residents.

“Whether it’s the fight against COVID or the fight against drought-induced wildfires, Colorado’s National Guard is ready to rise to the challenge to help our communities,” Polis said. “We are thankful to the Guardsmen and women for their support during this challenging time.”

The CONG will also provide 30 soldiers to establish 24/7 traffic control points to assist the Larimer County Sheriff's Office to restrict unauthorized access to areas near Cameron Peak Fire.

About 40 soldiers are also assigned to a task force intended to test wildland firefighting teams for COVID-19.