ALBANY, N.Y. — A team of 20 fire responders from New York traveled to Montana this week to help out with wildfires.
The state also sent eight Forest Rangers, additional members from DEC’s divisions of Lands and Forests and Fish and Wildlife and a DEC Fire Warden to Montana for a two-week assignment. Only one Forest Ranger was sent out to help fire crews in Oregon.
In Montana, there are 75 active wildfires are burning more than 64,000 acres of land. The team of New York firefighters will travel to high danger fire areas and serve as the initial attack on any new fires that start burning.
“With dozens of wildfires being managed across the country, New York is prepared to send help to other states in need,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a release. “Our expert Forest Rangers and trained wildland firefighting staff will be instrumental in helping lead firefighting efforts to protect lives and property. I thank these brave firefighters for answering the call and look forward to their safe return.”
This isn't the first time the state has sent crews to help other states battle wildfires. Highly trained wildland firefighters often are sent to help as part of interstate and international firefighting compacts. New York sent its first firefighting crew to help out west back in 1979. On average, one or two crews are deployed as needed to assist with wildfires every year.
“New York State is fortunate to have world-class wildland firefighters at DEC and stands ready to help our neighbors out west," Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. "After a busy year of travel to Canadian wildfires last year, we thank our Forest Rangers and forestry experts for once again stepping up to the challenge to help lead a team of heroes fighting the Montana wildfires.”
