Staff Reports
The Florida Forest Service is sending another 40 of its firefighters to help “wildfire suppression efforts” in the western part of the country, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced Thursday.
“The two hand crews of 20 firefighters each are part of the department’s ongoing effort to help combat one of the worst wildfire seasons in U.S. history,” Putnam said in a statement. The Forest Service is part of his Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“Our firefighters will continue to provide unwavering support to other states in need of assistance to fight wildfires,” he added.
The Forest Service’s two crews are from various districts around the state, the release said, and will be joined by three other crews from Georgia and Puerto Rico, totaling 100 firefighters. The crews will fly from Tampa to Oregon, where they will receive specific assignments.
“The Florida Forest Service has deployed a total of 343 firefighters to the western United States this year, and we applaud their dedication to helping protect lives, property and our country’s natural resources,” State Forester Jim Karels said.
