DEC Forest Rangers, Staff and Volunteer Crew Spent Two Weeks Helping to Contain the Sunrise Fire in Lolo National Forest

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) firefighting crew that helped battle wildfires for the past two weeks in the Lolo National Forest in Missoula, Montana, is set to return to the Albany area Tuesday afternoon.

The crew, which includes Forest Rangers, DEC employees from various fields, and volunteers, is made up of residents from across the state and they battled for two weeks to contain the 13,488-acre wildfire, which is believed to have been sparked by a lightning strike. When the New York team arrived there were approximately 80 firefighters and support personnel assigned to the fire, but that number rose to more than 500 as the wildfire continued to spread. Currently, the fire is only 15 percent contained and is expected to burn until late September.

Who: DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, Forest Rangers, employees and volunteers

Where: Saratoga Tree Nursery, 2369 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs, 12866
            *Follow signs for Forest Rangers*

When: Tuesday, August 8, 5:30 p.m.

Crew Members Available to Talk to Media Upon Their Return