![]() His first position with Fish and Wildlife began in 2003 when he was named assistant zone FMO for the state of Arizona. In 2001, returning to Arizona, he hired on as the superintendent of the Heber IHC. In 1999 he detailed to the National Forests of North Carolina as a hotshot squad boss. Chris earned a BS in biology from Northern Arizona University in 1997 while still working seasonally for the USFS. His qualifications included squad boss, saw boss, sawyer, and engine crewmember. Chris is the first to hold the position as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES).Ĭhris started in 1993 as a seasonal with the USFS Heber Hotshots in east-central Arizona. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), was named May 7 as the new chief for the position, previously held by Bill Kaage, who retired last summer. Chris Wilcox, former chief for Fire Management with the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) Division of Fire and Aviation Management has a new chief. On the federal side, Alaska Fire Service public affairs specialist Beth Ipsen said no resources have yet been sent to Alberta, but the agency has two hotshot crews that will be finishing training this week and may be available for deployment. “Our late fire season, coupled with the early drought conditions that Alberta is facing - that just set us up for this pretty unprecedented situation.” ![]() “This is the first time we’ve sent a crew to Canada in May,” she said. ![]() Photo courtesy of Pioneer Peak HotshotsĬoyle said Alaska fire agencies often send resources outside the state in the fall, but she said the spring deployment is very unusual. As we are just beginning the Alaska fire season with our late breakup, we will continue to monitor fire behavior and our own fire protection needs.” Pioneer Peak Hotshot Crew after completing their annual 80-hour spring training in front of Pioneer Peak in Palmer, Alaska. “Supporting their efforts this spring is an excellent example of not only national but the international cooperation it takes to manage fires during extreme conditions. “Alberta was a significant contributor to the Alaska response effort last season,” said DOF Chief of Fire and Aviation Norm McDonald. The 23-person crew left Tuesday, May 9 in a smokejumper aircraft. Pioneer Peak IHC has extensive experience in managing fires, and the crew has completed their required 80 hours of pre-season training. Tanker 544 departed for Alberta on May 9. The strong intergovernmental agreement known as the Northwest Compact allows Alaska and other states and provinces to request or share resurces internationally.Ĭonsidering Alaska’s delayed snowmelt, late spring, and recent widespread moisture, the DOF made available Airtanker 544 - a Conair Dash 8 – 400ĪT Airtanker - and the Pioneer Peak Hotshots, both based in Palmer. Fire managers in Alberta have made large resource requests for outside assistance, including the airtanker and hotshot crew from Alaska. Their Premier Danielle Smith deemed it an unprecedented crisis.”Īerial Fire Magazine reported that at least 29,000 Albertans have been forced from their homes in the north and central regions of the province. “On Saturday they had over 100 wildfires spreading out of control. “They declared a state of emergency over this past weekend,” Coyle told Alaska Public Media ( PBS). The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection (DOF) has sent resources to the Canadian province of Alberta, where agency information officer Lily Coyle says they’re dealing with an unusually intense early wildfire season. Lee Bouma, 173rd FW commander, said they trained an extra three crews this year. Oregon red-carded 20 new firefighters for the state, and Col. The last day included a burn in sagebrush and tall grass. Training covered fire behavior, tool use, and communications. Operation Plan Smokey provides extra resources to the state from the National Guard via an interagency agreement between the Oregon Military Department and the ODF. Airmen are ready to assist the state of Oregon if called up during emergencies and natural disasters. ![]() He said this initial training consists of 32 hours of in-class and hands-on instruction. “We are tasked with training Guardsmen on Operations Plan Smokey,” said Jake Barnett, protection supervisor for ODF. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Adriana Scott) Airmen from the 173rd Fighter Wing recently spent five days of wildland fire training with the Oregon Department of Forestry in preparation for their role in assisting with the 2023 fire season.Īir National Guard Magazine featured a story about ODF firefighters lighting a controlled blaze during training for the 173rd Fighter Wing Airmen at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
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