Training to Fight Wildfires, Aug. 26

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has authorized the activation of an additional 250 Oregon National Guard members to assist with ongoing firefighting efforts throughout the state. The additional personnel are scheduled to report to the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), in Salem, Oregon to undergo firefighting training starting Wednesday, Aug. 26. DPSST officials say the additional group should complete their training by Aug. 30. The additional 250 volunteers are comprised of Oregon Guard units from around the state. Half of the additional Guard members are Citizen-Airmen from the 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland, Oregon, and the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The other half of the additional Guard members are from the Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The first group of Oregon Soldiers activated are currently undergoing training at DPSST, and are scheduled to complete their training by Aug. 25. As of Monday, Aug. 24, this first group is scheduled to head to the Canyon Creek Complex Firebase where they will assist first responders, initial attack contract crews and fire managers. The Soldiers in the first group come from units across the state, including; 224 Engineering Company, 1-186 Infantry Battalion, 1-82 Cavalry, 141 Brigade Support Battalion and 1249 Engineer Company. They join Soldiers from Charlie 7-158 Aviation, and Army and Air National Guard Joint Staff who have been participating in the effort since Aug. 3.