National Guard Helicopters Respond To 2,900 Acre Wildfire In Fort McCoy

By Isiah Holmes, Wisconsin Examiner

April 14, 2023

State agencies, first responders, and National Guard personnel are responding to a large wildfire near Necedah, in Juneau County. Two Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopters were deployed April 12 to assist in fire suppression. A wildfire in a jack pine area affected more than 80 acres, causing residents to be evacuated. In Fort McCoy, another fire affected more than 2,900 acres and is nearly 50% contained, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“This is a real-time demonstration of the incredible value the Wisconsin National Guard provides,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general. “Our dual mission status makes critical assets like these Blackhawk aircraft available to the governor in emergencies such as this wildfire. Our Soldiers and Airmen continuously train to meet the needs of both our state and federal missions, whenever called upon.”

Just before the fire outbreak, a state of emergency was declared by Gov. Tony Evers. Most of the state is currently under a severe fire warning, except in parts of northern Wisconsin which still have considerable snow. A Red Flag warning was also declared in dozens of counties by the DNR and National Weather Service. Wildfire danger is expected to persist through the month of May.

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