The 1st Infantry Division has sent 27 Soldiers to Washington state to help fight a massive wildfire in the northeastern portion of that state.

The 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division was called to assist in the fire on August 24th.

Major Jake Roper, Battalion Executive Office explained that currently they are providing,”airlift medical capabilities to individuals that are on the ground in support of those firefighting operations.”

The Forward Support Medical Platoon is utilizing three Blackhawk medevac helicopters.

“We’ve got the flight crews and paramedics that fly along in the helicopters that are able to respond at a moments notice to life threatening situations and airlift any individuals that are supporting firefighting operations to the nearest hospital, or nearest aid station.”

Wednesday Maj. Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commented on the battalions support.

“The 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley are once again on point for our nation,” said Grigsby. “Fort Riley’s central location in Kansas is key to the ‘Big Red One’s’ ability to provide ready Soldiers to support operations on either coast or around the world. Our brave and responsible Big Red One Soldiers are proud to support this interagency effort – they can and will accomplish any mission set in front of them.”

About 95 large wildfires are burning 1.1 million acres in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada and Colorado according to information from U.S. Northern Command.