Ohio crew responds to call for western wildfire assistance

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Ohio crew consisting of 20 people departed early Saturday morning to travel to northern California, where they will be dispatched to the Forks Complex in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest near Hayfork, California, 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 Robert Boyles, ODNR deputy director and state forester. “We are well prepared and willing to respond to help other states and agencies during this difficult time.”

In addition to the crew, five single resources from ODNR have already been dispatched to various areas in the western United States this summer.

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.

Staff report

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

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