ODF team heads to Fla. to aid in hurricane response

The Oregon Department of Forestry, working with the state’s Office of Emergency Management, said Monday it is filling a request from the Florida Division of Emergency Management for an All-Hazards Incident Management Team to support the response to Hurricane Michael.

The request is coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact agreement. The EMAC offers assistance among states and territories during any governor-declared state of emergency through a responsive system, providing a mutual aid structure. This allows states to send personnel, equipment and supplies to assist with response and relief efforts in other states.

While ODF utilizes the EMAC most often during fire season, agency incident management teams maintain All-Hazard qualifications to ensure capacity for potential disaster relief needs. ODF’s complete and coordinated fire suppression system relies on strong partnerships with other agencies, states and even countries, offering reciprocal assistance in times of need, the agency said.

With an estimated 23,000 residents still without power in wake of the catastrophic storm, the ODF IMT, led by Incident Commander Chris Cline, is eager to bring some added capacity to their counterparts in Florida.

“Our strong partnerships with fellow agencies and states have proven invaluable to our success in wildfire suppression,” Cline said. “Just a few months ago, we had an IMT from Florida standing side-by-side with our folks battling wildfires here in Oregon. Knowing the bases are covered on the home front with fire season winding down, our team is ready and willing to get to work. We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to return the favor.”

Arriving in Tallahassee, Fla. Monday afternoon, the team will be working out of a base camp in Panama City, in the epicenter of the devastation zone. The ODF IMT anticipates a full two-week deployment.