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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 16, 2022
Contact: Jeni Lawver, Wildland Fire, 605-381-7232
Wildland Fire, National Guard to hold helicopter recertification May 20
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Wildland Fire Division will conduct its annual wildland fire helicopter recertification with the South Dakota National Guard Aviation Unit this Friday, May 20.
The certification allows for South Dakota National Guard Black Hawk helicopters to respond to wildland fires. The yearly certification is required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Interior.
Flight operations training will take place at a helibase located at the Hot Springs airport. Aerial water delivery practice will occur on the east end of Sheps Canyon with National Guard helicopters dipping water buckets in Angostura Reservoir.
Recreational users are advised to stay clear of these areas between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. May 20. Unmanned Aerial System (drone) operators are requested to not fly in that area during this exercise. Flight operations will be shut down if there are any drones flying in the area.
The Wildland Fire Division is an agency of the state Department of Public Safety.
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