(SALEM, OR) — The Oregon Air National Guard activated 44 Airmen Aug. 7, 2026, to support wildland firefighting on the Grasshopper Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest, marking the first time in the organization’s history that Air National Guard personnel have led the state’s ground firefighting response.
“The Oregon National Guard embodies the very best of Oregon – service, solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our communities,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This activation today reflects our shared resolve to stand together this wildfire season and safeguard the people and places we love.”
Two 22-person hand crews, one from the 142nd Wing at Portland Air National Guard Base and one from the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, mobilized today at Anderson Readiness Center in Salem before heading to a fire camp near the Warm Springs area, though the exact location may shift as the fire’s footprint changes.
Col. Ryan Barton, deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command, said the Oregon Department of Forestry requested the additional ground teams after its own firefighting resources were nearly exhausted.
“Every year it’s a really unique thing for the partnership between Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon National Guard to make sure that we’re there to be ready to assist when needed,” Barton said. “This year is really unique also because normally we’ll have the Army ground teams go out first, but the Oregon Air National Guard is the first two teams out the door.”
Barton said the mission is expected to last 14 days, with two additional Air National Guard teams on standby if the fire requires further support, followed by Army National Guard ground teams if the mission continues to grow.
As of Aug. 7, approximately 80 Oregon National Guard members were activated in support of the state’s wildfire response, including one HH-60M helicopter supporting search and rescue medevac operations, two HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters flying water bucket missions. Those aircraft have completed 237 water bucket drops, delivering approximately 256,150 gallons of water on Oregon wildfires.
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon’s Adjutant General, addressed the departing Airmen before they left for fire camp, calling the moment a significant one for the state.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
“This is one of the worst fire seasons Oregon’s had in a long time,” Gronewold said. “People are losing their homes and their property, and you are going out there to help protect those Oregonians, protect our citizens, and that’s part of our job.”
Gronewold said the mission reflects a new milestone for the organization.
“This is huge for Oregon citizens to see their National Guard going out and fighting wildland fires,” Gronewold said. “It’s probably the first time ever that the Air National Guard has led the way on hand crews. Thank you to both wings for stepping up and doing this.”
Command Chief Master Sgt. Brent Cavanias, Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Oregon National Guard, told the Airmen their work carries weight beyond the fire line.
“Your presence out there is reassuring to Oregonians,” Cavanias said. “There’s high confidence and trust in the National Guard, and what you do out there is important.”
