Gov. Gregoire sends off National Guardsmen heading to California

For Immediate Release: June 27, 2008

Gregoire deploys helicopter, crewmen to battle California wildfires

FORT LEWIS � Gov. Chris Gregoire today greeted five National Guardsmen at Fort Lewis before they boarded a Chinook helicopter and deployed to California to help with firefighting efforts.

�Washingtonians are generous, and we are pleased to help out California,� the governor said. �And because of it, we know we can depend on California when we need help.�

The governor was joined at Fort Lewis by Gen. Tim Lowenberg, Washington�s adjutant general, and First Gentleman Mike Gregoire.

There are roughly 1,000 wildfires burning more than 150,000 acres in California. On Wednesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked for aerial fire suppression assistance from the Washington National Guard. Gregoire agreed to send one of the state�s two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, which has the ability to carry 2,000 gallons of water.

�I want to stress that while Washington is sending help, we still have enough equipment and people here at home to meet our own needs if an emergency should arise,� the governor added. �And if needed, I can recall the equipment and crew sent to California at any time to protect our citizens and property here.�

The five guardsmen will fly to Sacramento, and receive their assignment once they land. California has asked the helicopter and crew to stay for seven days, though Washington�s National Guard says it has a plan in place if California needs additional help. Washington will be reimbursed for its expenses through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
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