In The News 24 January 2025

Governor DeWine sends ODNR Division of Forestry crew to support firefighters in California

COLUMBUS – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that he has dispatched a nine-person fire management team from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to assist firefighters battling the devastating wildfires that continue to rage in California. 

Fire managers in southern California issued a request for additional resources yesterday as  wildfires continue to be fueled by the state's dry conditions and strong winds.

“We've been anticipating that California may call on our skilled ODNR wildfire response team, so we were prepared and ready to answer the call for help,” said Governor DeWine. “I commend the members of our brave crew who are leaving their loved ones in order to support their counterparts on the West Coast."

The wildfire response team, which operates as part of ODNR's Division of Forestry, left Columbus today enroute to Beaumont, California, where they will receive more details of their assignment. The team is bringing its own protective equipment, hand tools, chainsaws, and a wide variety of other supplies.

“Our fire management crews train year-round to be prepared to step up when called upon,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We wish them a successful and safe journey as they fight to protect communities in southern California.”

Support from ODNR was requested for 14 days, and the crew is expected to begin work on Monday. A typical daily shift lasts between 14 to 16 hours.

Last year, the ODNR Division of Forestry provided wildland firefighting assistance in California at the Cleveland National Forest (east of San Diego), the Los Padres National Forest (west of Los Angeles), and the Sequoia National Forest (east of Bakersfield).

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