Impact Area Fire Fighting Efforts Hampered By UXO

Edinburgh, Indiana The National Guard is busy trying to extinguish the fire that has been burning in their impact area since 21 October. Due to concerns over UXO in the area, the firefighting efforts are concentrated on using helicopters to deliver water to the area. The fire reportedly started when a flare used in the impact area caught the grass on fire. No residential properties are in danger but several neighbors have voiced concerns to their Congressman (Milo Smith) and the Base Commander about heavy smoke in the area.

Along with the helicopter delivered water, the base is conducting controlled burns in areas surrounding the impact area to ensure that the fire does not spread. The base has announced plans to place restriction on ordnance that can be used in training including a temporarily ban on the use of tracer rounds and aircraft-dropped flares.