AUGUSTA — "Our department takes great pride in the Maine Forest Service wildland firefighters and personnel who have chosen to travel west to help battle raging wildfires. I invite all of Maine to join me expressing appreciation for our Rangers, and in keeping them and everyone impacted by these fires in their thoughts during this challenging time," - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal.
Maine Forest Service western wildfire
mobilizations are an opportunity to assist other states in dire need while providing invaluable experience and training for MFS rangers and firefighters, which allows them to bring those skills back to Maine. The USDA funds wildland firefighting mobilizations."When Maine rangers mobilize, it not only helps our sister states, but it also provides valuable training and qualifications for our staff to manage incidents here at home. Additionally, all costs are reimbursed by the requesting agency," – MFS Chief Ranger Bill Hamilton.
Maine has provided an engine and staff for Montana and an Incident Management Team (IMT) of four for Idaho and Ranger to Washington State to help lead air operations so far this year. Mobilizations are 14 days, and every one must pass federal wildland firefighter and wildland fire behavior coursework. Preparation also includes annual refresher coursework and physical test.
"I am happy that the Maine Forest Service can provide help to other states, as they would return the favor if we ever needed it. Our help is always welcomed, and I am so appreciative of the quality assistance the mobilized rangers and firefighters have provided," – MFS Director and State Forester Patty Cormier.
Anyone interested in becoming wildland fire qualified or becoming a Maine Forest Ranger should call (207) 287-2791 and learn more online.
Photos courtesy Maine Forest Service
MFS Regional Ranger Jeff Currier in service in Washington State
(Left to right) Washington's Chief of Air Operations Dave Ritchie and MFS Regional Ranger Jeff Currier
Currier is mobilized as Air Operations Branch Director to the Washington Department of Natural Resources – Air Operations Division https://www.dnr.wa.
Maine Engine Crew 6199 in service in Montana
(Left to right): Ranger Ryan Albert, Ranger Carson Hartman, Ranger Andrew Bowman.
Battling the Trail Creek Fire, near Dillon, MT https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Incident Management Team in Idaho
Ranger Robby Gross, Incident Commander
Battling the Cougar Rock Complex Fire near Elk River, ID https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
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