FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 17, 2014) – Two Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) firefighters will head out tomorrow to the Shaniko Butte fire in Oregon. The U.S. Forest Service requested two heavy equipment bosses through the Kentucky Interagency Coordination Center, which coordinates the mobilization of federal and state resources to incident needs throughout the United States. The lightning-caused wildfire ignited July 13 on Shaniko Butte, 12 miles north of the town of Warm Springs in Oregon. The fire spread quickly in light, dry, grassy fuels, pushed by winds from varying directions. The fire covers 20,000 acres. Dwayne Anderson and Jerry Brown will be responsible for three pieces of heavy mechanical equipment such as dozers, excavators, etc. They will oversee the personnel assigned to the equipment and put them where needed on the fire. “We are fortunate that wildfire conditions in Kentucky have improved, which allows us to provide these resources,” said Leah MacSwords, director for KDF. Wildfires continue to burn out of control in parched areas across the western United States and the long-term weather forecast, showing no relief in sight, prompted the request for Kentucky’s help. Anderson has worked more than 30 western fires and Brown has been on more than 40. ”We just want to help protect the citizens of Oregon and do the best job we can,” Anderson said.
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