The Mississippi Forestry Commission has deployed one Geographic Information Systems Specialist (GISS) Trainee to Northern California.
This individual will serve on an interagency incident management team, supporting efforts to suppress the Whaleback Fire by collecting field data and producing maps and other geographic information system (GIS) products necessary for daily use at the command center and in the field.
State Forester Charlie Morgan said the person’s name will be released upon their safe return to Mississippi in approximately two weeks.
“The wildfire maps and other geographic information system data our employee will assist in providing are invaluable tools that aid in situational awareness and tactical decision-making,” Morgan said. “This data will be used by the incident management team and wildland firefighters to help them suppress the Whaleback fire.”
As of reports released on July 30th, the Whaleback fire in California has burned approximately 14,098 acres and is 20 percent contained.
“We appreciate our employee taking part in these efforts to help our state and federal partners in California and look forward to their safe return home in approximately two weeks,” Morgan said.