Well over 200 firefighters and support staff from NPS
sites throughout the two regions answered calls for
help during the summer Western fire season of 2006.
Hundreds of others made it possible for them to go.
Even before the nation moved the highest level of
firefighting response, Preparedness Level 5, people
readied themselves for what became a record western
fire season. Many of the same folks had fought fire
earlier in the year, in late winter and spring when
eastern forests, fields and marshes tend to burn. In
summer, the West warmed up, dried out and caught
fire. So, they repacked their gear, put their names on
the list and awaited the call.
No matter what part of the country they are from,
firefighters, their families and friends must be
prepared for the firefighter's absence of at least 16
days. The standard fire assignment is two weeks, plus
at least a day of travel at each end. How well the
challenges of the departure are met affect
relationships. Couples remember their vows of, "for
better or for worse." And, it is a true friend who
cleans out the refrigerator of the firefighter who
dashes out the door without tossing out the milk.
Park managers and co-workers must also, "deal with it." At smaller parks, just one person's
assignment means a huge staffing reduction. Those who remain, work to ensure the best
possible experiences for visitors and best possible care for the park. From Virginia to Maine,
NPS employees did their part in a record fire year.
Contact: Barb Stewart, Northeast Region Fire Education, Prevention and Information Specialist
Phone: 434-977-1375 x3365 |
