Alaska State Emergency Operations Center requests support from Alaska Organized Militia for state wildland fire efforts

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON — The Alaska State Emergency Operations Center recently requested assistance from the Alaska Organized Militia to strengthen the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection firefighting efforts in wake of the intensifying wildland fire situation in the Fairbanks area.

According to a press release, the Alaska Army National Guard's Fairbanks Readiness Center started operating as a staging area for firefighting crews from the lower 48 June 26.

The press release also indicated that the AKARNG will play an important role in these firefighting efforts, ensuring the armory is fully prepared.

The AKOM (which includes the Alaska Air and Army National Guard, the Alaska State Defense Force, and the Alaska Naval Militia) has been informed of possible missions related to the wildland fires.

According to the press release, some possible missions include: aerial water bucket firefighting support, armory mobilization center for fire crews, and traffic management.

If requested by the state, additional support could include:

Aerial transportation of AKOM elements and state / federal government officials, first responders and firefighters.Ground forces capable of supporting firefighting efforts.Ground transportation of personnel and equipment to support fire suppression or evacuation operations.Facilitate Emergency Family Assistance Centers (EFAC) in support of military members in affected areas.Provide or support sheltering operations

The AKOM will alert, mobilize, deploy, and conduct operations in support of the State of Alaska’s firefighting efforts after receiving orders. Their mission is to protect life and property and ensure the public safety of Alaska citizens.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com