CHARLESTON, W.Va .— The West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) has dispatched a 20-person crew to help Oregon guard against the risk of wildfires.

“Oregon expects to experience lightning during the next couple of days,” said Deputy State Fire Manager Jeremy Jones. “The lightning strikes may start wildfires.”

On Friday, Aug. 9, the team travels to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where they will join four other Mid-Atlantic firefighting crews. The group will fly to Oregon where they will be assigned fire duties.

A tour of duty on a fire line typically lasts 14 days.

The operation in Oregon marks the first time that the WV DOF fire team has been dispatched in 2019. WV DOF dispatched firefighters to Michigan in 2018 and to other states four times in 2017.

“The West Virginia Division of Forestry is trained and ready to aid other areas of the country when necessary,” said State Forester Barry Cook. “States can more effectively save lives and protect property by working together and sharing resources.”

State fire crew members are trained in firefighting and to meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards.