Seventeen firefighters from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are providing assistance in five Western states where massive wildfires continue to burn.
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The DNR said in a news release it has sent 17 firefighters to battle blazes in California, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon. They’ll serve in areas including fire-line management and public information.
Seven of the Michigan firefighters assisting are from DNR offices in the Upper Peninsula, and the remaining are from lower Michigan. Six employees were sent to man two fire engines in Montana. “Other states have provided significant support to us here in Wisconsin, notably during the Germann Road fire in 2013, and this shared approach helps all agencies make efficient use of resources”.
Newschannel 3 has confirmed that one of three firefighters killed in the wildfires out west is a West Michigan native.
– The state Department of Natural Resources is setting up coordination centers so qualified residents can join the fire fight in Okanogan County.
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Michigan is part of a national cooperative agreement, which means they send staff when needed and the favor is returned when we need help here.
