SCFC personnel deploy to Minnesota

by IMT Coordinator Andy Johnson

Several South Carolina Forestry Commission employees recently deployed to northern Minnesota as members of Southern Area Complex Incident Management Team 1 (Red Team) to support the Bear Trap Fire near Ely.

Personnel

Representing SCFC on the assignment were Abbeville/Greenwood/Laurens Sector Wildland Firefighter Todd Smith, Edisto Asst. Unit Forester Drew Pressley, Mechanic Supervisor Kevin Garner and IMT Coordinator Andy Johnson, who served in key positions within the Logistics Section.

On the job

The team supported one of the state’s largest wildfire incidents, providing the logistical backbone necessary to sustain firefighting operations across multiple camps and remote locations. Responsibilities included coordinating facilities, communications, transportation, supply, medical support, food service and other essential services that kept firefighters equipped, fed and ready to safely accomplish the mission.

The group working the Bear Trap Fire included former SCFC Asst. Fire Chief Kyle Smith (top row, second from left).
A smoky sky at midday over Lake Vermillion in Minnesota. Photo courtesy of IMT Coordinator Andy Johnson.
A backhaul of around 79 miles of hoses that piled up as crews reached containment. The hoses were then ready for cleaning and re-rolling.
A Superior National Forest employee who was also working the fire was presented with the Paul Gleason Award. This award is for people who are active in fire business and innovative with technology. He won the award for inventing a type of sprinkler system that can be put on top of structures to defend against approaching wildfires.
Bags are packed and ready to go!
The incoming IMT is welcomed to the incident by local leaders.
Johnson saw this memorial for Chris Revels at the National Wildland Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Boise, ID, while on the way to his assignment.
Smokey alerts passersby of extreme fire danger at Superior National Forest.

Valuable skills

Assignments like the Bear Trap Fire provide SCFC personnel with valuable experience managing large, complex incidents alongside local, state, tribal and federal partners. The knowledge and relationships gained through these deployments strengthen the agency’s ability to respond to wildfires, hurricanes and other emergencies in South Carolina while contributing to the nationwide wildland fire response effort.

Get involved

Assignments like this are possible because employees across the agency are willing to step forward and serve. Whether your interest is in operations, logistics, planning, finance or command, there is a place for you on an incident management team. Serving on an incident provides valuable experience, builds leadership and technical skills and offers the opportunity to work alongside professionals from across the country.

If you’ve ever considered getting involved, now is a great time. Reach out to your supervisor or the Incident Management Team coordinators to learn more about available positions, training opportunities and how you can become part of the team.