The Mississippi Forestry Commission has deployed one Ground Support Unit Leader to Colorado, where he will assist state and federal partners with wildfire suppression efforts.
“We appreciate our employees taking part in these efforts to help our state and federal partners in Colorado. Fighting the destructive power of wildfire means that our Wildland Firefighters are working in extreme conditions protecting people’s lives, homes, and forestland,” said State Forester Charlie Morgan. “We are proud of his service and look forward to his safe return home in approximately two weeks.”
The Spring Creek Wildfire is estimated to have burned over 54,000 acres, destroyed at least 132 homes and damaged another 119 homes. According to reports on July 6th, the wildfire is estimated to be 45 percent contained at this time.
The Ground Support Unit Leader is normally stationed in Region Three of the Mississippi Forestry Commission, which serves the counties of Claiborne, Clarke, Copiah, Covington, Hinds, Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson, Jones, Lauderdale, Madison, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith, Warren, Wayne, and Yazoo. Morgan said the unit leader’s name will be released upon his safe return to Mississippi in approximately two weeks.