New York Team to Support Firefighting Efforts to Combat More than 100 High Priority Wildfires for Two Weeks

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that a crew of 20 employees and volunteers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation are traveling to western states to assist in containing wildfires burning across the Northwest. The volunteers and DEC staff, mostly from the ranks of the State's Forest Rangers, will receive their assignment once they arrive and will join crews from other states. Firefighters are currently battling more than 100 high priority wildfires in states including Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, with nearly 9,000 firefighters working to battle and contain the blazes.

"No matter the emergency, the State of New York is always willing to assist other states in times of need and today we are sending this courageous crew to the Northwest to help deal with wildfires," Governor Cuomo said. "I am proud of these 20 dedicated individuals who stepped up to volunteer and help combat these devastating fires and on behalf of all New Yorkers, I thank them for their service."

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 has periodically continued to do so over the years. In 2017, New York sent 60 firefighters to several western states to battle three separate fires. 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.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "I commend our Forest Rangers, staff, and volunteers for their selfless service to volunteer to help contain these wildfires and protect precious natural resources and lives. 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. For 40 years, New York has stood ready and willing to assist other states in their time of need."