Division of Forestry provides strike teams of firefighters and engines

Contact:  Gwen Holt 502-564-4496

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 10, 2007) – Five two-person strike teams, five engines and one strike team leader from the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) left today to help combat wildfires in Florida.

The Florida Division of Forestry requested assistance from the Kentucky Division of Forestry early this week through the Southeastern Interstate Forest Fire Compact. Thirteen southern states make up the compact, which allows them to share skilled wildland firefighters and equipment.  Member states help each other to the extent they can, depending on their own fire status. 

The Kentucky teams will be assisting with a large fire in north central Florida, where many wildfires are burning out of control. Depletion of local and state firefighting resources prompted Florida to ask for help.

KDF Director and Kentucky State Forester Leah MacSwords said, “We are fortunate that wildland fire conditions in Kentucky have improved, which allows us to provide these resources.” 

The Kentucky firefighters are expected to remain in Florida for up to 14 days, plus travel time, but may return sooner if wildfire conditions improve. Florida will reimburse Kentucky for the KDF firefighters’ time, expenses and use of equipment.