Firefighter From Farmington Returns From Battling Western Blaze

FARMINGTON, CT — A firefighter from Farmington was part of a 10-person group of trained wildland firefighters that returned to Connecticut last week after spending the past few weeks in the Modoc National Forest area in northeastern California.

The private sector firefighters included Anthony Flamino of Farmington.

The st ate Department of Energy and Environmental Protection maintains a roster of agency staff members and personnel who have been certified to fight forest or wildfires. Crew members must complete a rigorous training program and participate in an annual physical work capacity test and refresher training.

Connecticut maintains this firefighting capability to participate in a reciprocal aid program operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Under the program, trained personnel from other parts of the nation are available to assist Connecticut in the event of a fire emergency or other natural disaster in return for the support of Connecticut personnel when needed. All state agency expenses directly associated with these deployments are 100 percent reimbursed to the State by the U.S. Forest Service.

The group assembled at DEEP's Eastern District Headquarters July 24. It followed USDA Forest Service COVID-19 protocols, including pre-screening for the coronavirus, and daily screening upon arrival and throughout the assignment. The crew followed post-deployment demobilization procedures and safety protocols upon its return.