Blackhawk helicopters sent in to battle big grass fire near Nimrod

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At the direction of Governor Mark Dayton, two Minnesota

National Guard UH-60 "Blackhawk" helicopters with aircrew, maintenance

and fuel support teams are assisting the ongoing efforts to control the

fire near Nimrod, Minn., today.

"Due to the low precipitation levels this past year, we anticipated

there may be a request for our help in assisting with fire suppression

efforts," said Army Maj. Scott J. Rohweder, chief of operations for the

Joint Operations Center, Minnesota National Guard.

"We're working closely with the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center and

Department of Natural of Resources to manage support requests," said

Rohweder.

"Amy Aviation Support Facilities from St. Cloud and St. Paul, Minn.,

provided aircraft," said Army Capt. Marc L. Rassler, liaison officer for

the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade, 34th Infantry Division. "Aircrafts

departed at 10 a.m. today and arrived at Staples Municipal Airport,

Staples, Minn. A total of 12 soldiers are supporting the fire

suppression efforts."

"We refreshed our water bucket training last week at Camp Ripley during

their controlled burns," said Rassler. "This provided an opportunity

for realistic training and working with agencies such as the DNR."

According to the Minnesota Incident Command System, the fire is more

than

1,400 acres in size.

Tags: minnesota news, news, updates, fire