Local Forest Service Firefighters Deployed To Fight Western US Fires

July 29, 2014

Local area firefighters are among dozens being sent from the Florida Forest Service to help battle blazes in the western United States.

There are six Florida Forest Service firefighters from the Blackwater District — which includes Escambia and Santa Rosa counties — that have been been deployed so far to various western states, according to Joe Zwierzchowski, spokesman.

So far this season, the Florida Forest Service has deployed 52 wildland firefighters to western wildfires, including Oregon’s 396,000-acre Pine Creek wildfire and Washington’s 250,000-acre Carlton Complex of wildfires.

“The Florida Forest Service will continue to fill requests for help as we receive them,” said Jim Karels, State Forester. “The experiences that our firefighters gain out West will build upon their first-class training and experience fighting wildfires here in Florida.”

Deployed wildland firefighters will fill a variety of roles, including front-line firefighting, aviation, safety regulation, logging, heavy equipment management and more.

“The Florida Forest Service is a talented group of some of the most skilled firefighters in the country,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Thanks to current low wildfire danger levels in Florida, we are able to lend support to other states for the protection of people, structures and natural resources.”

Comments

3 Responses to “Local Forest Service Firefighters Deployed To Fight Western US Fires”

  1. Larry Walker on July 29th, 2014 7:57 pm

    May God protect them.

  2. Calla Ferguson on July 29th, 2014 5:57 pm

    May God Bless You and bring you all home safely! Thanks for what you do!

  3. Concerned Tallahassee Grandparents on July 29th, 2014 4:12 pm

    God bless all our dedicated several thousand firefighters and Florida Forest Service for sending 52 of our own brave firefighters to Oregon and Washington. How will Seattle, WA be affected? Our son, wife and young daughter are planning to fly out this Saturday from Atlanta for one week’s vacation. Are flights being cancelled for poor visibility? Seattle is in King County, WA, and not listed in the 20 counties affected. It appears less than 150 miles away from eastern and north WA counties (Carlton Complex area) affected with 55% wildfires contained as of today. East of the Cascades is still burning as well as areas in northern California. Knowledge is power, so if AG Commissioner Putnam’s staff or anyone from Seattle area or anyone can further advise us on how to proceed with travel plans, it is greatly appreciated. Thank you from Tallahassee, FL

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News