National Guard activates air support for fires in Vega Baja.

The mission involved a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the Army National Guard Aviation Facility, equipped with a Bambi Bucket fire suppression system to conduct water drops over the most affected areas.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico National Guard activated air support on Monday to assist the Puerto Rico Firefighters Bureau in combating wildfires in Vega Baja, following authorization from Gov. Jenniffer González Colón.

“The activation of our air assets, in coordination with first-responder agencies, demonstrates our unwavering commitment,” Puerto Rico Adjutant General Carlos Rivera Román said in a written statement. “We are here to support the Firefighters Bureau and the community of Vega Baja with the full extent of our capabilities.”

The mission involved a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the Army National Guard Aviation Facility, equipped with a Bambi Bucket fire suppression system to conduct water drops over the most affected areas. According to official information, the capability allows for operations in difficult-to-access terrain and helps control the spread of fire.

Personnel from the Army aviation facility were coordinating operations from both the ground and the air to integrate their support with the efforts of firefighters in the area. The National Guard indicated that the operation is being carried out in collaboration with the Firefighters Bureau, and the two entities would continue working jointly until the situation is under control, according to the statement.