Ohio Crew Called for Western Wildfire Assistance

COLUMBUS, OH – An Ohio crew departed the State Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg early Saturday morning to travel to Redmond, Oregon, where they will be dispatched to help fight wildfires, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“Ohio has many years of experience helping fight and manage wildfire and other emergencies, not only here at home, but in several other states,” said ODNR Deputy Director and State Forester Robert Boyles. “We are well prepared to respond to help other states and agencies during this difficult time.”

The ODNR Division of Forestry coordinates agreements and wildfire training, prevention, suppression and enforcement with 325 fire departments in the southern and eastern part of the state and around Maumee State Forest in the state’s northwest corner.

The ODNR Division of Forestry trains ODNR, federal and private natural resource agencies, as well as fire department personnel from across the state, for inter-agency wildland fire detail and emergencies to protect life and property in Ohio, manage prescribed fire for forest regeneration and to provide assistance to other states as part of the national effort.

Ohio crews and individual management personnel have assisted with hurricanes, floods and wildfire incidents since 1986. Crews and overhead staff are normally dispatched out-of-state for two-week assignments. Travel and wage costs are reimbursed by federal agencies.

The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands and the fire management program, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov.