AKRON, Ohio — Members of the Akron Fire Department are teaming up with firefighters from Cuyahoga Falls and Green to help assist in Louisiana as stations there deal with the ongoing problem of wildfires.
The crew of 13 departed from the Akron Fire Department's Station #4 at 5 a.m. bound for Leesville, Louisiana to answer an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) call for help. Once in Leesville, the team from Northeast Ohio will help man the fire stations in the city while Leesville's crews are combatting wildfires across Louisiana.
The 13 firefighters from Akron, Green, and Cuyahoga Falls will be in Leesville for 14 days.
“I'm incredibly proud of these firefighters and officers who have volunteered to help their colleagues in Louisiana,” said Akron Fire Chief Joseph Natko in a statement. “The call to public service runs deep in each and every member of this crew and I wish them luck as they travel to replace crews in Leesville. We send our thoughts and prayers to the residents of Louisiana as they continue to feel the impact of these wildfires.”
Here are the crews heading to Leesville:
Akron Fire Department:
- District Chief Frank Poletta
- Lieutenant Jamie Dixon
- Firefighters Joe Bryant, Matt Uhl, and Justin Tony
Green Fire Department:
- Battalion Chief Jason Marzilli
- Firemedics Dave Montgomery, Matt White, and Vincent Deluca
Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department:
- Lieutenant Konrad Lenk
- Firefighters Richard Patterson, Addison Marable, and Trenton Donald
Extreme drought and record-breaking heat across Louisiana have caused over 600 wildfires in August alone. The largest fire currently is the Tiger Island Fire, which was first reported on August 22. It spread rapidly, reportedly doubling in size over the weekend, growing to more than 33,000 acres. Over the weekend, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said 441 different forest fires were still burning across the state.
“It’s no surprise to me that this crew of extraordinary public servants have once again answered the call to serve,” added Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “The bravery it takes to run towards danger cannot be overstated, and we wish all of our crews a safe return where I know their family and friends will be eagerly anticipating their arrival. I thank these 13 firefighters and officers for their willingness to help.”