The North Country Forest Rangers are back from fighting wildfires in California
Three forest rangers from the North Country have returned home after helping to contain the fires in California. On Tuesday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul welcomed back a team of 20 wildland firefighters, led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers.
The team volunteered to go on a two-week mission to help contain the Smith fire. River Complex in Del Norte County, California. That fire, which has so far burned more than 94,000 acres of land, was started by a lightning strike on Aug. 15, according to officials. The fire is now 85% contained, officials said. Crews in New York joined 38 others from around the country to help contain the fire.
Forest rangers from the North Country include Mark Brand – Forest Ranger, Essex and Hamilton counties Hannah O’Connor – Forest Ranger, Essex and Franklin counties Neilson Snye – Forest Ranger, Essex County The team of New York first responders is critical to assisting in wood chipping operations to reduce fuel in secondary fire lines, according to the announcement.
NEW YORK —
Three forest rangers from the North Country have returned home after helping to contain a wildfire in California.
Last Tuesday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is a group of 20 wildland firefighters, led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers.
The team volunteered to go on a two-week mission to help contain the fire at the Smith River Complex in Del Norte County, California. The fire, which has so far burned more than 94,000 hectares of land, was started by lightning on August 15, according to officials.
The fire is now 85% contained, officials said. Crews in New York joined 38 others from around the country to help contain the fire.
Forest rangers from the North Country include:
- Mark Brand – Forest Ranger, Essex and Hamilton counties
- Hannah O’Connor – Forest Ranger, Essex and Franklin counties
- Neilson Snye – Forest Ranger, Essex County
The team of New York first responders is critical in assisting wood-chipping operations to reduce fuel on secondary fire lines, according to the announcement.
