ODF Deploys Crews to Assist with Wildfires in Kentucky and North Carolina

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has dispatched aid to regions grappling with peak wildfire activity. In the past week, 68 firefighters were sent to Kentucky and 10 to North Carolina under mutual assistance agreements, showcasing a commitment to collaborative fire suppression efforts.

Oregon’s assistance spans a spectrum, deploying incident management team (IMT) members and single resources, offering diverse aid tailored to the specific needs of partner states. This collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive response to wildfires, fostering solidarity among states facing resource strains.

These out-of-state deployments serve dual purposes for Oregon firefighters: bolstering relationships beyond organizational borders and gaining exposure to varied suppression tactics in different landscapes. As the fire season subsides in Oregon, these deployments enable firefighters to maintain peak readiness and acquire knowledge applicable to future local challenges.

Blake Ellis, the fire operations manager, emphasized the reciprocity of such collaborations. “The hope with these deployments is to build strong relationships so when we need help, other states will answer our call to action,” Ellis stated.

Reflecting on the 2023 fire season, Oregon itself received support from over 80 out-of-state firefighters, demonstrating the effectiveness of the mutual assistance agreements. These agreements extend beyond state lines, encompassing Alaska and NW Canadian territories, creating a comprehensive fire management system known as the complete and coordinated fire system.