PA-PAS Crew #4 and E-601

PA-PAS Crew #4 was ordered late Thursday (7/26/2018) afternoon to support wildfires in Idaho. The crew left early Saturday (7/28/2018), after gathering Friday evening for food and rest before their flights.

We also had a request for a Type 6 Engine with a crew of four to assist in southern California. Engine 601 departed Friday morning and is expected to begin the assignment today (7/30/2018).

Pennsylvania currently has one other twenty-man crew assisting in Oregon and another engine in Texas.

Be sure to check back for more updates through the fire season.

Crew Updates PA-PAS 3 and E-603

PA-PAS 3 has sent a very positive update for those of us at home. The crew is currently assigned to the Hendrix fire in southwest Oregon. They have been working in the same division since their arrival, performing primarily mop-up in conjunction with the engines. Even though there’s been little variety to their work, the crew is in high spirits. The terrain is extremely steep, but the crew is maintaining situational awareness and ensuring everyone stays safe on the slope. 

E-603 has sent us this update: Upon arriving in McGregor, TX, the engine was immediately dispatched for initial attack of fires in the area. The engine boss is highly qualified, and served as the incident commander on their first assignment: a 1,900 ac wildfire. They have generally been working as part of a small task force, including another engine and a couple of dozers, traveling around the area and suppressing wildfires. The crewmembers will return from this assignment with valuable experience for PA.

Crew Photos - PA-PAS 3

A crew member from PA-PAS #3 sent this photo to share with all of you:

An update from the crew came in letting us know that they are doing well.

What is Nomex?

Whether you are a wildland firefighter or you have seen them in action or in photographs, their uniform is virtually the same across the board. They wear a yellow long-sleeve shirt and green pants (sometimes another color), all made of the same heat and flame-resistant material – Nomex®. Nomex® is the brand name of the material found in this gear, created by the DuPont Chemical Company. This uniform is an essential part of a wildland firefighter’s Personal Protective Equipment.

It is important to understand that Nomex® is NOT flame-proof. If you were to hold a flame to it, it would burn, however once you remove that flame the material stops burning. The fibers are very thick and woven close, and that provides for poor heat conduction. When the material is exposed to heat the fibers expand, closing all the spaces in between and providing insulation to the wearer. This gives the firefighters valuable extra seconds to get to safety in an emergency.

Gear made with Nomex® is the lightest option for Firefighters, which also helps reduce heat stress.

Did you know?

Nomex® is very similar to another well-known DuPont product, Kevlar®. Both products belong to a family of synthetic fibers called aramids. Aramids are known for their strength, durability, and heat resistance. Although Nomex® and Kevlar® have comparable qualities, there are significant differences between the two products. Kevlar® has an extraordinarily high tensile strength-to-weight ratio – it’s five times stronger than steel. For this reason, it’s commonly used in body armor and chainsaw chaps. Nomex®, on the other hand, has excellent thermal resistance, no melting point, and far superior moisture-wicking properties compared to Kevlar®.

Nomex® is not effective if it is excessively dirty, fuel-soaked, or has holes. Do you need to wash, repair or replace yours?

PA-PAS 1 and 2 Update 2

PA-PAS Crews 1 and 2 arrived safely in Harrisburg last night (7/23/2018) at approximately 1600. They were able to depart for their respective districts and homes despite the rain. They were all glad to be home and were in good spirits. They said that overall this was a good assignment. One crew member stated that it was roughly 100 degrees (give or take) and dry when they left, only to arrive home humid and rainy. 

Crew Photos - PA-PAS #3

We received this beautiful photo from PA-PAS Crew 3 to share with you.

Update from the crew:

The crew is in good spirits and generally all is going well. They have 5 pick-ups to travel in. The terrain in Oregon is steep and it's hot out.

Crew Photos - Dog Creek Fire

PA-PAS # 2 crew members have sent these photos and an update for us to share with you:

The photos were taken at the Dog Creek Fire in Gooding, Idaho. PA-PAS 2 were flown into their division for the day.

Everyone is doing well and there have been no issues.

PA-PAS Crew #3

Pennsylvania has sent out another twenty person crew to assist with fires in the Pacific Northwest.

PA-PAS Crew 3 left the Mobilization Center at approximately 8 am Saturday, July 21.

Crews 1 and 2 are still assisting in western states and are tentatively set to come home Monday, July 23.

We also have several people out to western states as single resources.

Our engine, E-603 has been dispatched to Texas with a crew of 3 people. The engine was ordered for initial attack, meaning that it will be assisting the local jurisdictions by responding to new fires.

Crew Photos and Update - Silver State Fire

PA-PAS 1 & 2 have sent us some photos and updates that we would like to share with you!



PA-PAS #2 crew members have sent these photos:

PA-PAS #1 crew members have sent these photos:

Both crews are currently assigned to the Silver State Fire near Elko Nevada. PA-PAS 2 has been doing mop-up and saw work. As of the update the fire was roughly 3700 acres and about 10 percent contained.

Crew Member Photos - Martin Fire

On Monday we received some photos from the crew members of PAS 1 & 2 that we would like to share with you.

PA-PAS Crews 1 and 2 Update 1

Pennsylvania's first Wildland Fire Crews for 2018 left early Saturday morning from the mobilization center to assist with the Martin Fire in northern Nevada.

After receiving breakfast they were transported to the Harrisburg Airport where they loaded the NICC Jet that would take them to their assignment.

They formed an assembly line to pack their gear into the stowage of the plane.

The crew members boarded the plane according to their crews.

The crew members arrived safely at their destination and are currently assigned to the Martin Fire. For more information on this incident click here.

PA-PAS Crews 1 and 2

It is that time of the year again where we begin to get requests for resources to aid in wildfire suppression. We already have two twenty man crews being mobilized to depart tomorrow July 7, 2018. 

Crew members from Pennsylvania will be gathering at the Mobilization center today, July 6, 2018.  Their flight will depart Saturday morning, July 7^th.  Crews will be flying to Boise, Idaho and will be assigned to a specific fire at a later date.  The exact destination is unknown at this time.

Summer Wildland Fire Academy 2018

There were quite a few differences in this year’s Wildland Fire Camp, including the location, duration and courses offered. Instead of being at Camp K, we held it at the Lock Haven University, and we held the academy for a full week.

There were twelve courses offered at this academy, with three of those twelve having 2 sessions throughout the week. There were also a handful of students who arrived to take their Faller 2 tests. The campus was packed with Wildland Fire Academy students.

The classed offered were:

· S-130
· S-190
· L-280 (two sessions)
· S-131 (two sessions)
·FI-110
· S-215
· S-211 (two sessions)
· S-212
· S-230
· S-236
· DZOP
· Basic Wildland Fire Camp

The Basic students were able to spike out overnight Saturday night on the mountain, despite the discouraging weather outlook that was presented throughout the week. The warm weather earlier in the week brought out several rattlesnakes, but everyone was able to stay clear of them.

We also hosted several students from other states and other parts of DCNR.

This year we had more people show up and less no-shows - we did well with a turnout of 92%! That wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the staff, instructors, and of course the students. As always, we appreciate the assistance of the districts.