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The National Interagency
Fire Center currently has the United States at a National Preparedness
Level 5 (scale 1 to 5, 5 being the highest). This means that currently,
Several Geographic Areas are experiencing major incidents which
have the potential to exhaust all agency fire resources. When 500
crews are committed nationally. Canadian Liaison and a coordinator
for military mobilization are asked to participate in national planning.
Crew members should monitor the NIFC website and stay in contact
with their District Forest Fire Specialist.
So far this fire season
Pennsylvania has sent four 20 person hand crews to assist with wildfire
suppression efforts in Minnesota, California and Idaho.
Crew members will either
be classified as Type 2 or as Type 2 Initial Attack. A standard
Type 2 crew member will fly in a chartered plane filled with firefighters
while a Type 2 Initial Attack crew typically will be split up and
fly in commercial planes. This is important because flying commercially
subjects you and your gear to safety inspections. Do not attempt
to carry on knives, multi-tools, lighters etc. on your person. Also
be aware that there is the potential for your gear to become lost
if connection flights are necessary. Be prepared to arrive and be
dispatched to an assignment without the bulk of your gear.
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