(undated) – Two firefighters from Franklin County have been deployed by the state to assist battling wildfires in the western part of the country. Firefighter Joseph Nawrocki from New Salem and Firefighter Jeffrey Belanger from Greenfield are among a crew of 20 firefighters from Massachusetts who departed from Hopkinton State Forest Headquarters in Hopkinton, MA on Saturday, August 14th.
The deployment was announced by Governor Charlie Baker in a joint statement among multiple state agencies including the Department of Conservation and Recreation. “These are extremely well trained and dedicated firefighters whose skills are much needed, and whose help will make a real difference,” said DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery.
While it wasn’t yet determined which fires they would face, officials said the Mass. crew will join 77 similar crews from federal and state agencies, including the National Park Service, working on active fires burning in the Northern Rockies region; specifically in West Montana and Northern Idaho.
“There are currently 116 large fires… burning nationally. Most of the activity is in the Northwest, Northern Rockies and Northern California geographic areas,” said DCR Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino.
The crew, which is also referred to as a “Type 2 initial attack hand crew,” will engage in direct fire suppression, working on the fire line up to 14 days – building fire breaks, securing fire perimeters, containing fires, and protecting structures.
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Here is a full list of the crew sent on Saturday:
State Firefighters: Roy J. Liard Jr. from the Town of Millville; Benjamin Jennell of the Town of West Newbury; George LKleczka of the Town of Plainville; Brian Mayer of the Town of West Gordon; Brian Johnson of the Town of Ashburnham; Joseph Nawrocki of the Town of New Salem; Aaron Best of the Town of Lakeville; Daniel Bove of the City of Worcester; Conor Clancy of the Town of Merrimac; Tyler Desautels of the Town of Oxford; Brian Everett of the Town of Mashpee; Connor Fleming of the Town of Fairhaven; Travis Gross of the Town of Holliston; Jacob O’Donnell of the Town of Millis; Cody Smeaton of the Town of Westport; Andrew Theve of the Town of Northborough; Derick Valovcin of the Town of Holliston.
Municipal Firefighters: Christopher Fischer of the Town of Dracut; Jeffrey M. Belanger of the Town of Greenfield; George L. Nolette of the Town of North Brookfield.
