In a vital response to the escalating wildfire crisis, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) along with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) dispatched a crew of skilled wildland firefighters to Fairbanks, Alaska.
This 20-person crew, which includes Franklin residents Chris Huling and Glen Consolmango, is part of a broader New England contingent comprising three state crews from Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut.
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires this year in the western United States and Canada have strained firefighting resources nationwide, prompting urgent requests for assistance from various state and federal agencies.
“Massachusetts stands ready to partner with firefighters across the country and in Canada to help combat rising wildfires,” said Governor Maura Healey.
She emphasized the effectiveness of Massachusetts crews based on their firefighting experiences at home and expressed gratitude for their commitment to assist with the crisis in Alaska.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll echoed these sentiments, noting the significance of lending a helping hand when a neighbor is in need.
She remarked, “Only by working together can we effectively respond to severe weather events like this,” while acknowledging the dedication of the 20 Massachusetts firefighters heading west.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper also underscored the mounting pressure from hotter temperatures on firefighting crews nationwide, confirming that Massachusetts crews are always prepared to answer the call for help.
DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo expressed pride in the efforts of firefighters who volunteered for this mission.
He described the deployed firefighters as exceptionally well-trained, noting their skills are not only appreciated but also crucial for the ongoing efforts in Alaska.
The Massachusetts crew, classified as a “Type 2 Initial Attack Hand Crew,” is set to operate on the front lines for approximately 14 days.
Their critical duties will involve constructing fire breaks, securing fire perimeters, and containing wildfires while also protecting structures from flames.
Last year, similar crews were dispatched to assist with wildfires in Montana and Idaho, where their acquired knowledge was instrumental in managing a historical wildfire season back home in Massachusetts that extended through November.
This deployment follows a formal request for assistance received by DCR Commissioner Arrigo from the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, relayed through the National Interagency Coordination Center based in Boise, ID.
Since 1985, the DCR’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission, has contributed crews to combat wildfires in various states, spanning regions such as Alaska, Florida, Virginia, and even extending to Quebec.
DCR Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino provided insights into the current conditions in the northeast, explaining that a favorable weather pattern has resulted in low wildfire activity across the region this year.
This decrease in local fire activity has allowed Massachusetts to mobilize resources effectively to support firefighting efforts in states facing severe wildfire challenges.
Presently, Alaska is dealing with a significant plight, with 67 wildfires consuming over 129,000 acres of land, many of which remain at low or zero percent containment.
In this context, the Massachusetts crew will collaborate with an additional 34 wildfire crews through a coordinated effort that includes over 29 engines, 15 helicopters, and approximately 1,487 personnel dedicated to tackling the wildfire crisis in the state.
All participating firefighters boast federal certification, having successfully completed a rigorous 40-hour wildland firefighting class and a physical fitness assessment, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges ahead.
Under mutual aid agreements, the requesting state or province is responsible for covering all expenses incurred by the out-of-state crews, which includes salary, transportation, lodging, and food costs.
The responding Massachusetts firefighters comprise a dedicated team:
– Roy J. Liard Jr. (Crew Boss), DCR, Millville
– Benjamin Jennell, DCR, West Newbury
– Brian Mayer, DCR, Groton
– Benjamin Mazzei, MassWildlife, Pelham
– Robert Armstrong, DCR, Conway
– George Kleczka, DCR, Plainville
– Brian Johnson, DCR, Ashburnham
– Cody Smeaton, DCR, Westport
– Declan Nash, DCR, Groton
– Nathaniel Cowan, DCR, Easthampton
– Tyler Desautels, DCR, Millbury
– Nathan Buckhout, MassWildlife, Cummington
– Joe Nawrocki, DCR, New Salem
– Riley Holm, DCR, Worcester
– Vincenzo Marino, DCR, Unionville (CT)
– Brian Procida, DCR, Brockton
– James Morrison, DCR, Walpole
– Derrick Valoucin, DCR, Holliston.
Their collective efforts represent the commitment of Massachusetts to support and fortify firefighting initiatives during times of critical need.
image source from：franklinobserver
