HELENA, Mont. — The Montana National Guard has sent four helicopters and 48 soldiers to help fight wildfires in response to a shortage of resources in the state.
Maj. Chris Lunde said Tuesday that two Chinook helicopters, along with support and security personnel, were sent to fires burning near Libby.
One Black Hawk helicopter and its support crews were sent to the Northern Rockies Coordination Center. Another was sent to the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's Central Land office north of Helena.
Lunde says federal and state officials there will determine which fires they will help suppress.
Gov. Steve Bullock over the weekend issued an emergency declaration authorizing use of the National Guard. Most federal and state manpower and equipment are already responding dozens of fires across the state.
