Massachusetts firefighters to help battle Montana fires

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and Department of Fish and Game said that 20 wildland firefighters will be sent to Helena, Montana to help battle a “large and uncontained” fire.

The crew will be used as a “Type2 Initial Attack Hand Crew” and will assist on the fire lines for 14 days.

Firefighters that will be travelling on July 19 will include those from Attleboro, Fall River, and Plainville.

“We are extremely proud of the DCR and MassWildlife firefighters who have answered the call to help our partners in the Northern Rocky Mountain region fight these blazes,” DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo said. “These are extremely well-trained, dedicated, and hard working firefighters whose skills are much needed, and whose help, we know, is enormously appreciated as we work together to stop the destruction of our natural resources.”