COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) – Ohio forestry crews are heading to California to help with the wildfires.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday that he has dispatched a nine-person fire management team from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Fire managers in southern California asked for extra help on Thursday as wildfires continue to be fueled by the state’s dry conditions and strong winds.
“We’ve been anticipating that California may call on our skilled ODNR wildfire response team, so we were prepared and ready to answer the call for help,” said Governor DeWine. “I commend the members of our brave crew who are leaving their loved ones in order to support their counterparts on the West Coast.”
The wildfire response team left Columbus Friday and is heading to Beaumont, California, where they will receive more details of their assignment. The team is bringing its own protective equipment, hand tools, chainsaws, and a wide variety of other supplies.
“Our fire management crews train year-round to be prepared to step up when called upon,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We wish them a successful and safe journey as they fight to protect communities in southern California.”
Support from ODNR was requested for 14 days, and the crew is expected to begin work on Monday. A typical daily shift lasts between 14 to 16 hours.
Governor Josh Shapiro announced Pennsylvania is sending 40 firefighters to California to help battle the wildfires near Los Angeles.
The two crews, comprising 40 men, are highly trained wildland firefighters and are a response to a request for assistance from the state of California.
While there, the crews will work on:
- Installing water lines and sprinkler systems to protect fire lines and buildings.
- Improving defensible space around homes in the path of wildfires.
- Reinforcing critical fire containment strategies to prevent further spreading.
The crews departed on January 24 and are expected to arrive in California on Monday, January 27.
WBRE/WYOU contributed to this report.
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