40th CAB quickly reacts to Fresno residents stranded by Creek Fire

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Irvin Hernandez of the California Army National Guard, a pilot on a UH-60 Black Hawk, adjusts his night vision goggles (NVG) prior to a Sept. 8, 2020, rescue mission in the Sierra National Forest during the Creek Fire. Hernandez and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kipp Goding piloted a daring mission to rescue people who were trapped by the fast-paced Creek Fire in Fresno County, California. The fire ignited Sept. 4 but in two days devoured more than 80,000 acres. Cal Guard aviators, utilizing NVGs for early-morning attempts, rescued nearly 400 people in two days, often attempting to break through treacherous smoke to land their choppers in unstable conditions. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza)