BOISE, Idaho – Idaho National Guard aviation crews conducted water bucket training alongside Idaho Department of Lands personnel May 19-20 in preparation for the 2026 fire season.

The Idaho Department of Lands experts employed reflective panels to simulate active fires and communicated with Army National Guard pilots to maximize the efficiency of each 530-gallon bucket of water dropped.

Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan, the adjutant general of the Idaho National Guard, flew on a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter during the May 19 training to observe and learn more about the mission while the crew conducted water-bucket training.

“Wildfire response demands teamwork, preparation and trust,” Donnellan said. “I’m proud of the professionalism our Soldiers and crews demonstrate while training with our state partners to ensure we are ready when called upon by the governor to protect lives, property and critical resources across Idaho.”

In addition to the fleet of Black Hawks and crews standing by to support seasonal wildland firefighting efforts, Orchard Fire and Emergency Services is providing initial and refresher Wildland Firefighter 2 training to Idaho National Guard members.

To date, more than 250 Idaho Guardsmen have completed the qualification course. This certification ensures Guardsmen are ready to work fire lines in support of ground operations.

Cooperation between the Idaho Department of Lands and the Idaho Military Division is facilitated by a Reciprocal Fire Protection Agreement, which allows the Idaho Department of Lands to request assistance when its own resources become strained.

“Wildfire response is a team effort, and aggressive attack is critical,” said Dustin Miller, director of the Idaho Department of Lands. “Through our partnership with the Idaho Army National Guard, we're building the readiness, coordination and capability needed to protect Idahoans when every second counts.”