Ohio governor sends forestry crews to California

OHIO — Governor Mike DeWine announced this week that a nine-person fire management team from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has been deployed to assist in combating the wildfires raging across California.

Fire managers in southern California requested additional resources yesterday as dry conditions and strong winds continue to fuel the fires.

“We’ve been anticipating that California may call on our skilled ODNR wildfire response team, so we were prepared and ready to answer the call for help,” said Governor DeWine. “I commend the members of our brave crew who are leaving their loved ones in order to support their counterparts on the West Coast.”

The ODNR wildfire response team, part of the agency’s Division of Forestry, departed Columbus today for Beaumont, California, where they will receive further assignment details.

The team is equipped with protective gear, hand tools, chainsaws, and other necessary supplies.

“Our fire management crews train year-round to be prepared to step up when called upon,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We wish them a successful and safe journey as they fight to protect communities in southern California.”

The Ohio team is expected to assist for 14 days, with work beginning Monday. Their shifts will typically last between 14 to 16 hours per day.

Last year, ODNR’s Division of Forestry provided wildfire assistance in California at the Cleveland National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, and Sequoia National Forest.