Oregon Air National Guard hand crews battle Grasshopper Fire

Oregon Air National Guard hand crews continued wildland firefighting operations on the Grasshopper Fire near Tygh Valley, Oregon, shifting from structure protection to mop-up, monitoring and patrol of existing containment lines. The two 22-person crews, the first Air National Guard hand crews ever activated for wildfire response in Oregon, are working alongside contracted crew bosses and the Oregon Department of Forestry to support the state's broader wildfire response. Chief Master Sgt. Brian Brown said the mission reflects the deep connection between the Oregon National Guard and the communities it serves.