Gov. Josh Green has signed an emergency proclamation authorizing the Hawaii National Guard to activate Operation Hoʻopauahi, a statewide wildfire response program running through Nov. 30.

The initiative keeps three military helicopters ready to assist county and state firefighters with aerial firefighting missions. A CH-47F Chinook and an HH-60 Blackhawk will be stationed on Oahu, while a second Blackhawk will be based in Hilo.

The proclamation also allows the National Guard to quickly provide evacuation, traffic control and security support during emergencies.

Last year, Operation Hoʻopauahi crews dropped 283,908 gallons of water on four major fires.