As the worst wildfires in decades rage in the region, Montana seeks to safely engage the state’s five UH-1H helicopters in firefighting duties. However, some experts worry the helicopters might not be able to safely haul the 324-gallon water buckets being sling from beneath the aircraft.

In response, Montana’s Governor Steve Bullock and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Thursday published a joint statement: “Our aviation experts will be meeting…in the coming days to develop a plan for operating the state's helicopters as part of coordinated state and federal firefighting operations. The safety of these brave men and women [local firefighters] and the residents and communities they protect is our utmost concern." 

Federal aviation experts are expected to work with state officials to develop a plan for safely operating state helicopters in coordinated firefighting efforts on federal lands.