Watford City, United States - October 06, 2024

In a dramatic display of aerial firefighting prowess, the North Dakota Army National Guard took to the skies on October 6, 2024, to combat the raging Elkhorn Fire south of Watford City. Captured in stunning aerial footage, a Blackhawk crew, typically known for combat missions, transformed into an aerial firefighting unit, dropping nearly 39,000 gallons of water onto the voracious wildfires engulfing Western North Dakota.

The footage, which showcases the scale of the operation, reveals the Blackhawk helicopter's transformation into a airborne water bomber, swooping low over the fire-ravaged landscape. The Elkhorn Fire, which has threatened both wildlife and communities, presented a formidable challenge to ground crews. The intervention from above, however, marked a significant escalation in the battle against the blaze.