Governor Cuomo Dispatches New York Firefighting Team To Assist In Battle Against West Coast Wildfires

LongIsland.com

New York Team to Support West Coast Firefighting Efforts for Two Weeks.

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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Photo by: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, via Flickr.

Albany, NY - July 21, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that a crew of 20 employees and volunteers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is heading to western states to assist in the containment of wildfires burning across the West Coast. Firefighters are currently battling wildfires in California, Montana and British Columbia. The volunteers and DEC staff, many from the ranks of the State's Forest Rangers, will join crews from other states and will be assigned where they are most needed. Last year, DEC sent 33 firefighters, including one 20-person crew, to several western states and Canada to help contain wildfires.
 
"New Yorkers are proud to help our neighbors in their time of need and by sending this crew out to the west coast, we can help protect and preserve lives and land as wildfires burn," Governor Cuomo said. "To lend a hand in crisis is the New York way and I am proud to send 20 dedicated individuals to assist in getting these devastating fires under control."
 
The New York team is expected to support firefighting efforts in western states for two weeks. All travel and administrative costs for the crew will be paid directly by the U.S. Forest Service or reimbursed to the State. New York first sent a firefighting crew to assist western states in fighting large wildfires in 1979, and, on average, one or two crews are sent to assist each year. In addition to helping contain the western wildfires and minimize damage, these crews also gain valuable experience that can be utilized fighting wildfires in New York.
 
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "The work of DEC's firefighting team serves as a great example of how states can work together and share resources during times of adversity. I wish our crews a safe and successful trip out west and will welcome the team home with gratitude for their courageous work."