Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Forest Fire News


Michelle Erdie is the Sawtooth National Forest North Zone Fire Prevention & Education Specialist.

By MICHELLE ERDIE

The end of July is upon us and fire season is well underway. Fire crews all across the country are busy battling fires in their local forest districts or being sent to California to help contain the massive fires there.

The strong winds and heavy fuel loads feeding the California wildfires are keeping firefighters busy. With many crews working for 14 to 21 days straight, often for 12 to 16 hours a day, many crews are becoming exhausted and requesting aid from any available crews.

The Sawtooth National Forest, in cooperation with surrounding BLM and State agencies, have assembled a 20 person hand crew, consisting of one or two members from each district. This crew, known as the Sawtooth Regulars, was sent to California on July 14th to help aid in wildfire suppression. They are currently working on the BTU Lightning Complex fires twenty-seven miles north of Yuba City, CA.

Just like the multiple fire crews that inhabited Ketchum last year during the Castle Rock fire, the Sawtooth Regulars will be working long hours, sleeping in tents in fire camps, getting dirty, inhaling smoke and having limited access to regular showers, all while aggressively fighting fires that threaten communities like our very own.

Although our crews are highly trained both physically and mentally, wildfires can be unpredictable and dangerous. This crew will be assisting on fires throughout California for approximately two weeks, and we are highly anticipating their safe return.




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