MULLENS, West Virginia — Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) today announced the arrival of vital new firefighting equipment to be used across West Virginia.
The new equipment includes:
- Two Type 3 Bulldozers equipped with specialized forestry and firefighting packages.
- Three Type 6 Wildland Fire Engines designed specifically for combating wildfires.
- Six new drones equipped with thermal imaging technology to assist in fire detection.
- Eight UTVs outfitted with skid units and water tanks for improved wildfire response in hard to reach areas.
- Seventeen pickup trucks fitted with skid units for enhanced firefighting capabilities.
“With fire season just around the corner in West Virginia, it’s perfect timing to get this new equipment,” Gov. Justice said. “Our hardworking Forestry members deserve every bit of this new gear. These aren’t just new dozers and trucks, they’re difference makers in protecting our forests and citizens. The day they received this machinery, they immediately put it to use to tackle a fire. That’s how bad these guys needed new equipment. We need to keep doing all we can to ensure they have what they need to protect our beautiful forests and keep our homes safe. This drought is also making things worse, and as it gets dry, things could really get bad. I’m really praying we get some rain soon, but we’ve got to be ready for whatever comes our way. At least we know that if disaster does strike, our teams are ready to face the challenge head-on with safe and reliable equipment.”
In 2023, Gov. Justice signed SB 1032, which provided $4 million toward new equipment. These funds were allocated by the West Virginia Legislature to purchase equipment to assist WV DOF foresters in fighting wildfires.
The new equipment was revealed at Twin Falls Resort State Park in conjunction with the Division of Forestry’s bi-annual Fire School, which provides basic fire training for all new employees at the WV DOF, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Section and West Virginia State Parks. In addition to protecting West Virginia’s forests and fighting wildfires, crews from WV DOF volunteer to assist with wildfire relief efforts in other states.
West Virginia’s Fall Fire Season starts on October 1st, and burning regulations can be found HERE.
“We are grateful for the leadership of Gov. Justice and the legislature for their support and the commitment of the employees of WV Division of Forestry as they work each day to protect the people, property and wonderful forests in our state,” James Bailey, Secretary of the WV Department of Commerce, said. “Although Fall Fire Season officially begins October 1, our foresters work tirelessly year-round to protect one of our state’s most
Read more
- 17
- Article rating: No rating
Posted: Sep 18, 2024
Buffalo Firefighter's responded to a two-alarm fire on Buffalo's west side early Wednesday morning.
Firefighters were called to Pooley Place just around 4:30am for a report of a fire at 62-64 Pooley Pl. The duplex was fully engulfed in flames and quickly spread to neighboring houses.
Two civilians and two firefighters were injured, but none of their injuries are life threatening.
- PUB DATE: 9/18/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WGRZ-TV NBC 2 Buffalo
Read more
- 34
- Article rating: No rating
Posted: Sep 18, 2024
VIDEO: After months of negotiations, the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association (SAPFA) have struck a deal on a new collective bargaining contract.
The new contract will give firefighters and EMS a 20% raise over the next three years. It's the first legitimate pay increase that they've received in the last decade, and it's the first time they've been able to vote for their contract in over 15 years,” SAPFA president Joe Jones said.
- PUB DATE: 9/18/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WOAI-TV NBC/CW 4 San Antonio
Read more
- 33
- Article rating: No rating
Posted: Sep 18, 2024
The Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department has had its 119th firefighter die in the line of duty since 1887.
A firefighter-paramedic with the department died during a training exercise on Tuesday.
KSHB 41's Isabella Ledonne learned the majority of firefighter deaths are from medical emergencies, including the most recent death from KCFD's very own.
- PUB DATE: 9/18/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KSHB-TV NBC 41 Kansas City
Read more
- 38
- Article rating: No rating
|