JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Local firefighters are heading out west to help in the fight against wildfires in several states.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is sending the firefighters to Oklahoma, Montana, Idaho, Nevada and Oregon.
“Due to rainfall in recent months, Florida’s wildfire danger levels have decreased,” said Commissioner Adam Putnam. “Therefore, we are able to assist other states that greatly need our help. The Florida Forest Service has some of the most skilled firefighters in the country, and we gladly offer our talent and resources to help other states protect the safety of people, structures and natural resources.”
40 Florida crew members, including 7 from Jacksonville, will be assisting with front-line firefighting and mop-up operations, using shovels, axes and rakes to manually create a fire break or fire line around the wildfires.
An additional 16 fire personnel will also assist in a variety of other positions. All costs incurred by the state will be reimbursed.
