Governor Justice and the West Virginia Division of Forestry unveils new firefighting equipment

MULLENS, WV (WVNS) — The arrival of new firefighting equipment was announced by Governor Jim Justice at Twin Falls Resort State Park.

According to a press release, new firefighting equipment for West Virginia was announced by Governor Justice and the West Virginia Division of Forestry on Monday, September 16, 2024.

With fire season just around the corner in West Virginia, it’s perfect timing to get this new equipment. These aren’t just new dozers and trucks. They are 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.

Governor Jim Justice, (R) WV

The new firefighting equipment included:

• 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.

The press release stated that Governor Justice signed a bill in 2023 for $4 million dollars from the West Virginia Legislature for new firefighting equipment for foresters with the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

It’s one thing to fight the fires and to do all they do, but when they look back, they’ve got to see us. They got to see us charging up the mountain with them. That’s all there is to it. That’s all they want and and we need to do that.

Governor Jim Justice, (R) WV

The new firefighting equipment was unveiled at Twin Falls Resort State Park on Monday, September 16, 2024 with the Division of Forestry’s bi-annual Fire School, which offers basic fire training for all new employees at the West Virginia Division of Forestry, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Section and West Virginia State Parks.

We are grateful for the leadership of Governor 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.

Although Fall Fire Season officially begins October 1, our foresters work tirelessly year-round to protect one of our state’s most valuable assets. We ask the public to be cautious and careful as they enjoy the outdoors.

James Bailey | Secretary of the WV Department of Commerce

Officials say that there are not many forest fires caused by debris. They attribute this to the media getting the word out there to be cautious when it comes to burning items.

You know a good example of that… we had 13 or 14 fires yesterday. I think only one of those was caused by debris burning. The rest of them were caused by other causes like power lines or unfortunately felony arson.

Jeremy Jones | Director of the Division of Forestry

Not only does the new equipment help fight fires in West Virginia, but it also helps foresters with the West Virginia Division of Forestry when they need to help with wildfires outside of the Mountain State.

We sincerely thank Governor Justice and the West Virginia Legislature for this historic investment. This equipment not only creates more efficient ways for us to fight fires around the state and the nation but it increases our capabilities to fight fires in remote and hard-to-access locations.

Not only is this the first time we have had dozers, it’s the first time WV DOF has had nationally certified fire engines. Most importantly, this equipment provides a safer way for us to keep our beautiful state and our communities safe.

Jeremy Jones | WV DOF Director/State Forester

Fall fire season in the Mountain State starts on October 1, and burning regulations can be found on the West Virginia Division of Forestry’s website .

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