Guard motivated to fight fires in Eastern Wash.
The Guard is fighting fires in the Chelan area.
Washington National Guardsmen are still working hard at the First Creek Fire in Chelan, as well as several other fires across the state.
The fire in Chelan came close to this property before it was stopped.
"You will have our help as long as you need," Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty told deputy incident commander Rob Allen during a visit to Chelan Tuesday. "Let us know if you need any further assistance."
Because of the important roles Washington National Guard members have been given in fighting fires, such as the First Creek Fire, "next year our fire crews will be even more prepared," Daugherty said. "We're in for the long haul."
Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty stands with Congressman Dave Reichert near Chelan.
As of Thursday, the Washington National Guard has approximately 400 Guardsmen deployed doing anything from firefighting to digging fire lines, back burning, and refueling. Additionally there are four helicopters deployed and assisting in dumping buckets of water. Water buckets can hold 660 gallons of water.
"We needed boots on the ground," Allen said, thanking Daugherty for sending Guardsmen. "We're excited about having your guys out here. They're in the thick of it for sure."
A helicopter carries a bucket of water near Chelan.