Arkansas Forestry Commission wildland firefighters with the Razorback Crew were presented an appreciation plaque recently by TUSK IV, official mascot of the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Keith Stokes family for their service on a 28-day assignment at the Lolo Peak wildfire in Montana.
The crew received high praise from the Lolo Peak Incident Management Team (IMT) for their work over two assignment periods. This is the fifth mission for Arkansas firefighters with the Razorback Crew.
For the deployment, the U.S. Forest Service assembled 19 firefighters from Arkansas (nine) and Oklahoma (10). The crew began at the Lodgepole Complex wildfire July 25, and was later transferred to the Lolo Peak wildfire for the duration of their assignment that culminated Aug. 23. The Razorback Crew participated in fireline construction in rough, mountainous terrain using hand tools and dozers. The Montana wildfire had burned more than 38,000 acres by Sept. 1.
“The AFC is dedicated to wildfire suppression and response wherever we can serve. When wildfire danger is low at home, we are pleased to offer out-of-state assistance through resources like our Razorback Crew,” says State Forester Joe Fox. “We are very proud of the leadership and expertise shown by our firefighters. Our thoughts continue with those serving on wildfires across the western U.S.”
AFC firefighters on the Razorback Crew include: Russell Huskey and Justin Hoopengarner (Sebastian County), Wesley McKinney and Les Miller (Conway County), Wes Morgan (Stone County), Freddie Wolfinbarger (Carroll County), Andy Shaver (Van Buren County), John Pressgrove (Arkansas County), and Seth Sumners (Pope County).
From the SW Times Record: https://www.swtimes.com/news/20170906/forest-firefighters-receive-arkansas-razorback-plaque