For Immediate Release

Firefighters from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Join the Rough Draw Complex

August 25, 2003

Firefighters from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) joined the Southwest Area Incident Management Team today, to learn more about the Incident Command System used to manage large-scale fires, emergency incidents, and natural disasters. This is the second team of New York City firefighters to visit the Rough Draw Complex, which is based out of Livingston, Montana.

The New York City firefighters will be paired with qualified wildland firefighters to see first hand how the incident command system is used to manage a multi-day emergency situation where homes and property are at risk. They will attend briefings, participate in management meetings and visit the fire line. This hands-on training will complement the wildland fire courses the firefighters completed earlier this year.

According to Dan Oltrogge, Southwest Area Incident Management Team Commander, "The training the New York City firefighters receive this week will make them better able to respond to emergency situations in New York City such as the September 11 tragedy. Having these dedicated professionals on the Rough Draw Fire also strengthens our relationship for future work we may do together."

The training program is part of a memorandum of understanding signed in January 2003 by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and Fire Department of New York Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.

Incident management is a highly effective structure used to manage large-scale incidents and natural disasters. Many federal agencies use incident management teams for human-caused or natural occurrences requiring emergency action to prevent or reduce the loss of life, property or natural resources.

For more information about the incident command system, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/operations/niims.shtml.

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