Florida Forest Service sends 178 firefighters to battle western wildfires

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WINK) — Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters are battling wildfires across the western United States as the region's fire season intensifies.

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FFS said they have deployed 178 employees to assist agencies out west since July 1. Recent rainfall across Florida has enabled the state to deploy firefighters and support personnel to address the growing wildfire threat.

Currently, 141 FFS personnel are actively working at state and local levels. The majority of the contingent is stationed in Washington, Idaho and Oregon, with smaller detachments operating in Utah and Colorado.

In Washington, FFS has deployed engine crews to operate brush trucks alongside hand crews supporting National Guard units. In Oregon, a total of 51 personnel are deployed to the East Evans Creek Fire, including the Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1.

The East Evans Creek Fire burned 15,580 acres in southwest Oregon. The wildfire has now transitioned to mop-up operations.

Standard deployments last approximately 14 days, though western fire support typically continues through the end of September.

FFS credited recent rainfall across the state for making the large-scale deployment possible.