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Jul
9
Written by:
news editor
7/9/2012 1:00 AM
The call for help from states battling numerous wildfires has started and Ohio is responding, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Forestry.
Ohio Inter-agency Fire Crew has helped national efforts since 1986
COLUMBUS – The call for help from states battling numerous wildfires has started and Ohio is responding, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Forestry.
“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 Robert Boyles, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “We are well prepared to respond to help other states and agencies during this difficult time.”
This week, Ohio dispatched a three-person crew and a wildfire pumper to Missouri where they are busy fighting several small fires daily. Logistical help was sent to Utah in the form of an equipment receiving and distribution manager on the 19,865-acre Wolf Den Fire. A helicopter base manager was also sent to help in Utah.
ODNR’s 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 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 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.
ODNR’s 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 www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.
For more information, contact:
Drew Todd, ODNR Division of Forestry
614-265-6707
Bethany McCorkle, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6873
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