Lake County Sheriff Helicopter Drops Over 7k Gallons Of Water On Brush Fire
Multiple Departments from Porter County & Lake County were on scene over 7 hours fighting a brush fire that has been burning since around noon. The fire was located between Clark & Chase St in Gary. Multiple abandoned homes and semi trucks near a junk yard are burning.
Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr would like to commend all first responders who assisted with the fire today. “I am extremely proud of the coordinated effort with the Gary Fire Department that helped to reduce the threat of danger during this situation,” Martinez said.
“Our Lake County officers braved heavy blowing smoke and high winds that pushed the flames. The Lake County Aviation Unit exhibited courage, skill and professionalism; flying through the thick smoke to transport water to the scene.”
Lake County is extremely fortunate to have specialized equipment like the Bambi Bucket and other gear our helicopter is outfitted with to be able to respond in potentially hazardous incidents like this one.
“Our Aviation Unit crew had the training and expertise necessary to successfully bring water and release it at the scene while hovering over the area in dense smoke and strong winds. Eagle Crews dropped 34 loads of water totaling some 7,140 gallons,” Martinez stated.
At one point Indiana State Police closed 80/94 because of flames and smoke overtaking the highway. A Lake County Sheriff SWAT vehicle was brought in near 29th & Jennings to help evacuate residents as well. Multiple trees and small hot spots burned through the overnight hours but posed no threat.
Video – Goddard RNS
