Montana Guard helicopters readied for fire season

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Jul 23, 2008 at 9:09 AM MST

Story Updated: Jul 23, 2008 at 9:09 AM MST

HELENA - A fleet of Montana National Guard helicopters is undergoing its annual firefighting makeover in Helena.

The fleet's yearly alteration includes a paint job from Army green to new markings in Forest Service orange. A list of service checks also clear the aircraft to carry several hundred gallons of water and a firefighting crew.

The UH-60 Blackhawk can carry 660 gallons of water. The larger CH-47 Chinook can haul 2,000 gallons. The Blackhawk is generally used for initial attack while the Chinook is deployed for larger fires. Both helicopters require a nine-person team for support. A team includes two pilots, one or two crew members, a mechanic, a tech inspector, an operations leader and two fuelers.

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