The South Dakota Army National Guard and South Dakota Wildland Fire will conduct their annual aerial water delivery recertification training near Angostura Reservoir today.
The training will involve HH‑60M Black Hawk helicopters working with wildland fire crews under the direction of the Army Aviation Support Facility. The exercise is designed to ensure air and ground crews remain certified and ready to support wildfire suppression efforts.
A live, simulated fire exercise is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the west side of the reservoir near Sheps Canyon Road. During the drill, Black Hawk helicopters — capable of carrying and dropping more than 500 gallons of water — will perform aerial water drops while coordinating with crews on the ground.
Officials are asking the public to avoid the area during the exercise. The use of drones is strictly prohibited, as they pose a safety risk to aircraft and could force the training to be halted.
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