WKSU News: Ohio firefighters help battle wildfires in California and Oregon

Monday, August 31, 2015 Ohio firefighters help battle wildfires in California and Oregon The state sent 20 firefighters to help battle the ongoing blaze by WKSU's ANDY CHOW	Reporter Andy Chow

The mission of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is to ensure a balance between wise use and protection of Ohio's natural resources for the benefit of all.

Courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Experts are calling this one of the worst wildfire seasons in history in northern California and Oregon – and Ohio is doing its part to help.

Statehouse correspondent Andy Chow reports.

LISTEN: Chow on the aid to western states

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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has sent about 60 firefighters to help battle the flames so far this year, the most recent is a 20-person crew.

As Cotton Randall with the Division of Forestry explains, it’s important for the states to work together and do their part.

“In times like this, they really need to pull resources from anywhere they are available and everybody’s willing to help out,” said Randall.

Randall adds that this provides a good learning experience for Ohio’s firefighters if any similar situation breaks out here. The western fires, fueled by horrible drought conditions, have scorched hundreds of square miles and forced many to evacuate their homes.