Tennessee Guardsmen respond to Chattanooga wildfire

Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 04:45pm

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – At the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, the Tennessee National Guard is providing two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, from Knoxville’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, to support wildfire response in the Chattanooga area.  
 
The Tennessee National Guard was notified of the request around 7 a.m. CDT, and at approximately 9 a.m. CDT, two Blackhawk helicopters departed from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base. Each aircraft is equipped with Bambi Buckets used to provide hundreds of gallons of water to fight wildfires and are prepared to deliver water from nearby water sources directly to the needed area, as well as any other missions that support first responders.

The Soldiers and aircrews of the Tennessee National Guard are prepared to support firefighting efforts as long as needed.
 

A Tennessee National Guard Blackhawk Helicopter hovers over a large body of water using a large bucket hanging from the helicopter to get water.

At the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, the Tennessee National Guard is providing two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, from Knoxville’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, to support wildfire response in the Chattanooga area. (Photo courtesy of the Tennessee National Guard)

A Tennessee National Guard Blackhawk Helicopter drops water over a wildfire using a large orange bambi bucket.

The two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters are equipped with Bambi Buckets used to provide hundreds of gallons of water to fight wildfires directly to the needed area. (Photo courtesy of the Tennessee National Guard)

A Tennessee National Guard Soldier in uniform and helmet covering their face sitting inside a helicopter.

At the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, the Tennessee National Guard is providing two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, from Knoxville’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, to support wildfire response in the Chattanooga area. (Photo courtesy of the Tennessee National Guard)