When lawmakers approved $4 million for new firefighting equipment for the West Virginia Division of Forestry, they made a difference not only for Mountain State crews but for those fighting wildfires in other states, too.

“This historic investment will provide severely needed modernization to our wildfire program and equipment,” said Assistant State Forester Jeremy Jones. “Purchasing state-of-the-art equipment secured by these funds will enhance the capabilities of our firefighters, ensuring that we can respond swiftly and effectively to the ever-growing wildfire danger.”

But WVDOF crews volunteer all over the country. Twenty of them assisted the Northern Rockies Geographic Area Coordinating Centers with a fire recently in Montana.

“While West Virginia’s fire season will officially begin on Oct. 1, other parts of the country already have a very active season. WVDOF is tasked with preventing and suppressing wildfires within the state; however, during the offseason, our Foresters assist with fire suppression efforts in other parts of the country,” Jones said. “They must attend rigorous training courses and maintain qualifications to be part of a western fire detail.”

He and other state officials are right to be proud of the help our crews can offer. Now that they are better equipped to do so, they will be safer and make a bigger difference.

“I am proud of our West Virginia Foresters for answering the call to serve in other states,” said Commerce Secretary James Bailey. “We are fortunate to have the capacity to assist during this time of year, and it is important to help these efforts across the nation.”

Lawmakers who made that happen are to be commended. As for our state foresters, they are but one example of the many West Virginians who jump to lend a hand when disaster strikes. Mountaineers always answer when the call goes out.