Wisconsin DNR firefighters head west to help battle blazes

Those interested should contact the coordinators ahead of time listed at On this Department of Natural Resources Website to give their desired role, existing fire qualifications, location, and contact information.

LANSING, MI- Michigan has sent 17 firefighters to help battle wildfires in California, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. The blazes have already claimed thousands of acres and at least three lives.

With firestorms raging throughout the state, DNR fire incident command posts and dispatch centers have been inundated with offers from citizens to support firefighting efforts. Federal fire managers increased The national preparedness level to a planning level 5, the highest level.

Eventually the fires did get to the point where they asked for help and in the end, active-duty United States Marines were deployed to help save the town of Leavenworth, Wash.

THe USDA does provide reimbursement for all assistance Wisconsin provides, and Miller says DNR employees come back with invaluable experience. “We are proud that our firefighters have the necessary skills to assist with emergency situations in other states”.

DNR is setting up coordination centers so qualified residents can join the fire fight in Okanogan County.

DNR personnel have assisted with a total of 29 different out-of-state wildfires this year, Marty said.