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Mississippi Forestry Commission Sends Crews to Fight Washington Wildfires

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MFC Hand Crew firefighters

PEARL, Miss. — The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) deployed a twenty-person Type 2 Initial Attack Hand Crew to assist with wildfire suppression efforts on the Cougar Creek Fire in southeast Washington State. Officials will release the crew’s names upon their safe return to Mississippi in approximately two weeks. The fire spans 8,271 acres and is twenty-three percent contained.

Additionally, the MFC will dispatch a seven-person wildfire suppression module to Washington State tomorrow morning. This module will assist with initial attack efforts as new wildfires ignite under very dry conditions. The module will be on standby, ready to respond to fires for the next 14 days.

The MFC participates in a compact that shares wildland firefighter resources among states in need. By deploying our personnel to assist elsewhere, we offer them valuable training experiences that enhance their skills for battling wildfires in Mississippi. In return, other states send their resources to help us when necessary. This reciprocal arrangement proved crucial last year during a severe wildfire season, as we had much-needed support from other states.

What is a Hand Crew?

Hand crews play a crucial role on the front lines of wildland firefighting. These trained employees use hand tools to construct firelines, which are strips of land cleared of flammable materials and dug down to the mineral soil, surrounding the wildfire. They also burn out fire areas and mop up after controlling the fire.

In the challenging mountainous terrain out West, heavy equipment has limited accessibility. Hand tool crews frequently battle wildfires on the ground. In Mississippi, hand tool crews are occasionally used in rough or inaccessible terrain. However, bulldozers and tractor-plow units remain the primary tools for containing wildfires in the state.

“We appreciate our employees who are taking part in these efforts and assisting our state and federal partners in Washington State,” said Russell Bozeman, MFC State Forester. “Fighting the destructive power of wildfire means that our team is out there in extreme conditions, protecting lives, homes, and natural resources. We wish them a safe trip and look forward to their return home.”

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