Gov. Kathy Hochul welcomed back 21 firefighters to the Empire State after they fought fires in Oregon and Montana for two weeks.

Governor Kathy Hochul.Photo byGovernor Kathy Hochul From Flickr

A written statement said the firefighters were "wildland firefighters led by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers." They fought the Grouse Fire in Montana and the Red Fire in Oregon for days.

The Montana Fire Department sent 20 firefighters, and the Oregon Fire Department sent only one.

Firefighters Contribution

As the summer heat starts devastating fires, more firefighters will be sent back to western states.

Thank you to the hardworking, well-trained DEC workers from various divisions who answered the call from Montana and Oregon, two of our sister states. Interim Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Sean Mahar said these wildland firefighters did a great job and will bring back new firefighting skills to help keep New Yorkers safe in case of wildfires here at home.

Governor Kathy Hochul Welcomed Firefighters

This week, three more DEC wildland firefighters were sent to Montana to help put out fires. More will be sent out west in the coming weeks to help with the ongoing efforts. In 1979, New York sent its first fire crew to help western states deal with big flames. One or two teams are sent out as needed to help with wildfires every year.

These crews learn valuable skills to fight wildfires and handle all-risk situations in New York. They also help keep wildfires under control and limit damage. The New York crews' salaries and travel costs are either covered by the U.S. Forest Service or given back to New York State as part of a deal between states and federal land agencies to help each other.

To become a Forest Ranger, you should apply by August 14 for the next Civil Service test this fall. To learn more, go to the Department of Civil Service webpage.