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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Washington firefighters helping with Fort McMurray wildfire

From staff reports

Twenty firefighters from federal agencies in north-central Washington are in Alberta to help with fires burning near Fort McMurray. Sixteen of the crew members are from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

“After the past two destructive fire seasons we’ve had here, we really understand what they are going through,” said Keith Satterfield, the forest’s fire avaition staff officer. “Last year we received international support. In situations like these we are all partners in wildfire response.”

During the 2015 wildfire season, the Pacific Northwest received support from from Australia and New Zealand crews.

Washington firefighters are being joined by crews from Oregon and Northern California. They arrived in Alberta on Wednesday.