The U.S. Army has grounded its entire fleet of Boeing-built H-47 Chinook helicopters on bases around the world after reports of multiple engine fires.
Chopper 7 flew over the tarmac at Joint Base Fort-Lewis McChord Wednesday, where some locally based dual-engine Chinooks were parked.
The helicopters have been in use by the Army for 62 years.
They’re considered the aerial workhorse of the military.
An Army spokesperson said there were a small number of fires in the engines caused by fuel leaks, and those leaks might come down to the malfunctioning of one single part.
The Army would not say how many fires there have been; however, no one has been hurt.
The Army uses the Chinooks to airlift troops and heavy equipment, including small tanks.
Chinooks are also used in Washington state and around the country to drop tons of water and fire retardant on wildfires.
Those Chinooks are not a part of this grounding.
Fourteen Chinook helicopters are based at JBLM, where they are also used to support Mount Rainier climbing rangers called into service when people need to be rescued on the mountain.
The Army is working quickly to resolve the engine issues but said it is still unclear just how long it will take before the helicopters return to the skies.
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