RIO BLANCO COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) - Gov. Jared Polis has authorized the deployment of two Colorado Army National Guard helicopters to assist in wildfire suppression efforts in Rio Blanco County.

The authorization allows the incident commander to access additional resources as needed, enhancing the firefighting capabilities in the region. The Colorado National Guard will utilize CH-47 Chinook helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets for aerial fire suppression.

"The Colorado National Guard is Always Ready, Always There to assist the people of Colorado," said Brig. Gen. Myk Bruno, director of the Joint Staff U.S. Air Force.

The deployment of National Guard resources underscores the ongoing efforts to combat the wildfires threatening the Western Slope, with state and local agencies working to

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