To the Editor:

I would like to thank the U.S. Forest Service, Malheur National Forest, Blue Mountain Ranger District for the professional way in which they handled the preparation, initial attack and transitional attack on the Canyon Creek Complex.

I am an out-of-state task force leader who was called in to assist the district with the possibility of initial attack. When I arrived, I was properly briefed, provided with maps and oriented to the district to aid in rapid response.

I was assigned as a TFLD to assist the initial attack incident commander on #270. We were able to use safe firefighting tactics, and initially catch the fire at a little under 10 acres. Several weather events occurred with wind, and low relative humidity that eventually led to the fire escaping initial containment and growing into the Canyon Creek Complex.

The fire management staff, firefighters, dispatchers and resources I worked with had the public’s best interest in mind at all times. When the fire made large runs, public and firefighter safety remained at the top of everyone’s list. The incident command team provided thoughtful and decisive leadership and emulated the principles of duty, respect and integrity. 

Many times we hear of fires like these costing lives. Many people provided the leadership and local knowledge to keep everyone safe, and engaged in attempt to protect lives, property, and the environment. 

I also had the opportunity to work with the local Oregon Department of Forestry, fire program and local fire departments.  What an excellent group of firefighters. Both managers and firefighters came in and assisted many times, having to be told to end a shift for their own safety due to needing rest. 

Burns Interagency hand crew and Prairie City Ranger District hand crew: Thanks for taking a firefighter from Iowa and orienting me to Eastern Oregon. Without your guidance and knowledge I could not have performed my job in a safe manner.  

Finally to the communities of John Day, Canyon City, and Prairie City: I appreciate the hospitality you made a 23-day stay feel like I was at home. Everyone treated the out-of-town firefighters like guests. For that I will always be grateful.

I hope if I am ever in need of assistance I could call on the above mentioned group. If they show up, I know that my family would be taken care of in the best possible way. 

Jason A. Wickizer

Harlan, Iowa