US Forest Service Actively Involved in California Wildfire Response
Alongside its local, State and Federal partners, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service remains actively involved in response to wildfires in California. While these fires are not on National Forest System lands, the Forest Service provides additional firefighting personnel, incident management teams, and equipment resources to support the State of California and other federal agencies whose resources are challenged by the size, numbers, and severity of these fatal fires.
“The people of California are not in this alone. This is a unified effort that involves the dedication of the whole firefighting community,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke. “The Forest Service has boots on the ground and is providing other critical resources in California, as well as other parts of the American West, and we will remain as long as necessary.”
While Cal Fire is leading overall operations, as of Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 the Forest Service has committed over 1,500 firefighters to the effort. Forest Service firefighting resources currently supporting state and local fires include: 12 Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews specially trained in wildfire suppression tactics; 103 Type 2 crews; 285 engines; 5 dozers; 1 water tender; 55 support vehicles; 23 fixed wing aircraft (includes air tankers, water scoopers, lead planes and air attack); and 8 helicopters (Type 1 and Type 2).
Additionally, over $6.6 million worth of supplies and equipment have so far been mobilized by agency cache warehouses for such items as: water handling equipment, hoses, nozzles, fittings, foam, folding portable water tanks, batteries, Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), etc. Additional crews, equipment and aircraft are on order.
Currently, the Forest Service also has 15 large air tankers committed, 2 DC-10 very large Air tankers, 2 C-130s with air tanker modules, 34 helicopters and 3 scooper aircraft for water drops.
Firefighters are working to keep dozens of new fires small and of shorter duration, limiting damage and reducing costs and exposure to firefighters and the public.
The public is encouraged to continue following the guidance of local officials and stay informed. Information about wildfires is available on an interagency website, Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/.
“The U.S. Forest Service has an enduring history of supporting wildfire response and we continue to work with cooperators, partners, communities and the American public to reduce the risk of wildfire in the nation.” Chief Tooke said. “Our commitment to our local, State and Federal partners in California is steadfast, and we are dedicated in our mission of caring for the land and serving people.”
===========================
Generous gift to serve critical healthcare needs
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, USA, October 16, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital’s new Outpatient Tower will be named for the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, thanks to a recent generous gift.
The 9-story Sorenson Legacy Outpatient Tower will serve several critical healthcare needs, including consolidating the hospital’s regionally recognized cancer services and offering an innovative Simulation Learning Center for advanced clinical training. It will also serve as home to a new “LiVe Well Center,” offering comprehensive lifestyle assessments, fitness testing, and nutritional counseling.
“My father was passionate about improving healthcare practices for both doctors and their patients, and that dedication lives on in each of his children,” said Joe Sorenson, president of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation. “We’re proud to support this new medical facility and look forward to seeing the impact it will make on this community.”
Expected to be completed in fall of 2018, Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital’s replacement project brings together the best in hospital design and clinical performance to benefit patients, physicians, and caregivers alike. In addition to the Sorenson Legacy Outpatient Tower, the project includes a new 12-story patient tower, and numerous campus improvements that will set a new standard for care and provide for patient needs in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
About Intermountain Foundation
Intermountain Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports Intermountain Healthcare’s not-for-profit system comprised of 22 hospitals, 180 clinics, and 39,000 dedicated employees. Helping People Live the Healthiest Lives Possible®, Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare through high quality and sustainable costs. For more information: intermountainfoundation.org.
