New York Firefighting Team Returns from Battling 180,300-Acre Wildfire in Idaho

 Click on the image to increase its size.

A 20-member New York firefighting crew that traveled to Idaho to assist in the containment of the Pioneer wildfire returned to New York this afternoon.

The crew, comprised of DEC Forest Rangers, employees and volunteers worked to contain the more than 180,300-acre wildfire located in the Boise National Forest for the past two weeks. Photos of the crews in Idaho are available here, here and here.

“New Yorkers help their neighbors in their time of need and these brave men and women selflessly put their lives on the line and proudly upheld this state's great tradition,” Governor Cuomo said. “I am proud of their courage and professionalism displayed by these great New Yorkers during this mission and I am thankful for their safe return.”

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “When other states are facing this type of adversity, New Yorkers are always willing to step in and lend a helping hand. I commend these individuals for their hard work and tireless efforts to contain these large wildfires over the past two weeks and I’m pleased to welcome them home.”

The team joined 42 crews from other states in battling the wildfires, which continue advancing to the north and northeast, but is less active than the last few days. When the New York team arrived, flames had consumed approximately 87,000 acres but that number rose to more than 180,300 acres as the wildfires spread. The New York team assisted in creating control lines to contain the flames, clear materials from the path of the fires and assist with burnout operations. During their time, they worked in rough terrain and endured daily temperatures that approached 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Following their two-week stint, the crew was flown back to Manchester, New Hampshire and rested overnight before boarding buses for their return home this afternoon.

The New York crew included rangers, employees and volunteers across the state:

Forest Ranger Kevin Slade, Crew Boss, Ulster County
Forest Ranger Robert Praczkajlo, Crew Boss Trainee, Essex County

Forest Ranger Joseph Hess, Squad Boss, Rensselaer County
Forest Ranger Scott Sabo, Squad Boss, Orange County
Forest Ranger Joseph Pries, Squad Boss Trainee, Suffolk County
Forest Ranger Philip Parlier, Squad Boss Trainee, Orange County
James Canevari, DEC Lands & Forests, Sawyer, St. Lawrence County
Kraig Senter, Volunteer, Sawyer, Cayuga County
Matthew Vincent, Volunteer, Squad Boss, Essex County
Joshua Utberg, DEC Remediation, Firefighter, Schenectady County
Eric Kasza, DEC Lands & Forests, Sawyer, Saratoga County
Aaron Graves, DEC Lands & Forests, Firefighter, St. Lawrence County
Timothy Watson, DEC Fish & Wildlife, Firefighter, Monroe County
Lawrence Day Jr., Volunteer, Firefighter, Steuben County
Daniel Welc, DEC Lands & Forests, Firefighter, Chenango County
Samuel Griffis, Volunteer, Firefighter, Washington County
Anthony Leung, DEC Division of Water, Firefighter, Suffolk County
Paul Gallery, Volunteer, Firefighter, Schenectady County
Christopher Sprague, DEC Lands & Forests, Firefighter, Chenango County
Joshua Choquette, DEC Fish & Wildlife, Firefighter, Delaware County

New York first sent a firefighting crew to assist western states in fighting large wildfires in 1979, and, usually, one or two crews have been sent to assist each year. In addition, to helping contain the western wildfires and minimize damage, these crews also gain valuable experience that can be utilized in fighting wildfires in New York. All personnel travel and administrative costs for the crew is paid directly by the U.S. Forest Service or reimbursed to the state.

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo