Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

23/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 23/07/2024 19:53

Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew Deploys to Fight Oregon Wildfires

Press Releases

07/23/2024

Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew Deploys to Fight Oregon Wildfires

(HARTFORD, CT) - This morning, nineteen members of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew (CIFC), coordinated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), mobilized from DEEP's Eastern District headquarters in Malborough to fight wildfires in and around Redmond, Oregon.

"Once again, the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew answers the call to assist those in other states in their time of need," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes." We are so grateful to the members of this crew for their courage and service as they take time out of their lives and their work to deploy far from home. We wish them and all the responding firefighters well and look forward to their safe return."

Of the group that deployed this morning, six are full-time DEEP employees from DEEP's Bureau of Natural Resources, Bureau of Central Services, Bureau of Materials Management and Compliance Assurance. One member of the group is from Rhode Island, and one group member is from Massachusetts.

The members of the group who deployed today are from the following CT towns:

  • Norwich
  • Quakerhill
  • Shelton
  • East Haddam
  • Bethany
  • Bloomfield
  • Coventry
  • Exeter
  • Griswold
  • Lebanon
  • East Otis
  • Cheshire
  • Tolland
  • South Windsor
  • Stratford
  • East Hartford

The CIFC team deployed as part of a general call-up of Eastern fire crews to assist out West. DEEP's Forestry Division coordinates the CIFC, for which it maintains a roster of agency staff members and private individuals, many associated with local fire departments, who have been certified to fight forest or wildfires. Crew members must complete a rigorous training program and participate in an annual physical work capacity test and refresher training.

Connecticut maintains this firefighting capability to participate in a reciprocal aid program operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Under this program, trained personnel from other parts of the nation are available to assist Connecticut in the event of a fire emergency or other natural disaster in return for the support of Connecticut personnel when needed.

For more information about the CIFC, visit Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew.

The CIFC team that deployed the morning of 7/23/2024. Photo credit: CT DEEP.

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Contact

DEEP Communications
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860-424-3110