Incident Media Photographs

We’re proud to highlight the incredible efforts of U.S. Army Soldiers from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). While they may be new to wildland firefighting, their extensive experience with heavy equipment and power saws is proving invaluable in this challenging environment. 

As Combat Engineers, their expertise in clearing paths through obstacles translates into a new role as sawyers in the wildfire response. Their dedication and skill are crucial in managing and containing these fires, showcasing the versatility and commitment of our armed forces. This photo shows Chance Giles from Nebraska National Forest providing feedback to Army Firefighter, SPC Cross Harris on his first cut tree. Photo courtesy U.S. Army

Task Force Echo also known as the Buffalo Crews 1 and 2 of U.S. Army Soldiers from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) have been working Division N on the Middlefork Complex for the last couple of days. Buffalo Crew 1 prepares to travel by boat across Deadwood Reservoir to mop-up hot spots. Forest Service photo by Kelly Woods.

Task Force Echo also known as the Buffalo Crews 1 and 2 of U.S. Army Soldiers from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) have been working Division N on the Middlefork Complex for the last couple of days.  Buffalo Crew 1 traveled by boat across the Deadwood Reservoir to work hotspots at the end of a mile long hike and hoselay to the fire’s edge. Army crews, who have been embedded with wildland firefighters since August 22 have installed over 9 miles of hoselays in that time.

Smoke Outlook for Central ID https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d58217e9

Member of Taskforce Echo Buffalo Crew 1 demonstrates sharpening a chainsaw on the Nellie Fire during contingency line prep. Forest Service photo by Kelly Woods.

Task Force Echo also known as the Buffalo Crews 1 and 2 of U.S. Army Soldiers from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) have been working Division N on the Middlefork Complex for the last couple of days. Buffalo Crew 1 boards boat to cross the Deadwood Reservoir to work hotspots. Forest Service photo by Kelly Woods.

We’re proud to highlight the incredible efforts of U.S. Army Soldiers from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). While they may be new to wildland firefighting, their extensive experience with heavy equipment and power saws is proving invaluable in this challenging environment. 

As Combat Engineers, their expertise in clearing paths through obstacles translates into a new role as sawyers in the wildfire response. Their dedication and skill are crucial in managing and containing these fires, showcasing the versatility and commitment of our armed forces. This photo shows Beast Crews 1 and 2 getting chainsaws on-line as they prep an indirect line by creating a fuel break near the Deadwood reservoir in Idaho. Photo courtesy U.S. Army

There is a long history of the Military’s commitment to providing firefighters, aircraft, engines and other wildfire suppression assets, now the Military’s service to the community is expanding by providing new skill sets on wildfire incidents. Over the past month two Soldiers have served as Radio Operators, or RADOS for the Middle Fork Complex. They are responsible for receiving and transmitting radio and telephone messages between incident personnel, providing dispatch services at the incent and documenting pertinent radio/phone traffic. Their efforts are especially important to help respond to emergency situations when time is of the essence to get resources where they are needed.

Photo: Middle Fork Complex SSG Richardson (left), from B company and CPL Dellcastillo(right) from HH Company, USFS Photo by Lynda Lancaster 9/14/24

Buffalo Crew 1 sawyers of Taskforce Echo taking a break from contingency line prep along the 555 road (Nellie Fire) on the Middlefork Complex. Forest Service photo by Kelly Woods.

Smoke Outlook for Central ID https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d58217e9

September 12, 2024 Central Idaho Smoke Outlook https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/d58217e9?