FOR RELEASE: Monday, April 14, 2025
CONTACT: Colorado National Guard Public Affairs 720-250-1053, ng.co.coarng.list.militarysupport@mail.mil
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The Colorado National Guard and Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control will hold the Colorado Fire Aviation Summit April 16-17, 2025.
The annual interagency wildland fire training exercise comprised of helicopter-based aerial fire suppression and classroom training will be conducted with Boulder Fire-Rescue, the City of Longmont, the Longmont Fire Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.
The training exercises include targeted aerial water delivery practice at Chatfield State Park, Littleton, Colorado; Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Commerce City, Colorado; and Ralph Price Reservoir at Button Rock Preserve, Longmont, Colorado.
Aircraft will take off from Vance Brand Municipal Airport, Longmont, Colorado, and Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora, Colorado. The training aims to improve coordinated response and airspace deconfliction for air- and ground-based response elements during emergencies between federal, state and local agencies. Most aircraft will fly April 16-18, with April 23-25 as weather makeup days.
“A significant portion of the Colorado Army National Guard’s mission is to support the citizens of Colorado," said Colorado Army National Guard Director of Aviation and Safety U.S. Army Lt. Col. Scott Tucker. “Aerial firefighting training with our civilian counterparts and neighboring state partners provides opportunities for our aircrews and ground personnel to be ready when called upon to protect our communities when threatened by wildland fires. This training is tough and realistic which enables us to safely execute aerial firefighting in the dynamic environments found in Colorado. The training also translates into our combat missions by enhancing our aviation skills and aviation planning acumen.”
In addition to aerial operations, the summit will include academic training at the Army Aviation Support Facility, BSFB. Months of planning have included coordination with local authorities for site locations, movement of equipment, and environmental considerations.
"Working with our partners to conduct this type of training is critical," said DFPC Director Mike Morgan. "Wildfires know no boundaries. They easily cross between federal, tribal, state and private lands, making coordination between wildland fire management agencies essential."
The goal is to provide a safe and realistic training environment for comprehensive training, practice and development of skills for all agencies involved. Temporary public safety closures will be in effect at Button Rock Preserve while aircraft are operating in the area; please refer to the attached closure notice and map for more detailed information.
The CONG is the first military responder during domestic emergencies, supporting the state of Colorado
and local jurisdictions to help save lives, reduce suffering, and mitigate property damage.