Westport Fire Chief Returns from Wildland Fire Service
Westport Fire Department
The Westport Fire Department welcomes home Chief Robert Yost from a two-week national wildfire assignment with the Eastern Area Incident Management Team. During the assignment, the Chief worked to support the wildland firefighters in Minnesota. Chief Yost joined a crew of 57 members of the Incident Management Team (IMT), who were tasked with managing the Greenwood Fire. The IMT had also taken over management of two smaller fires as well, the John Ek Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov) and Whelp Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov).
Fire Chief Robert Yost said, "This proved to be an incredible training opportunity in large-scale incident management. Connecticut is not immune to a wildfire, or a large-scale natural disaster and we need to be just as prepared as our western counterparts. As the fires continue to burn, please keep all the firefighters out on assignment nationwide in your thoughts and prayers.”
Started by lightning, the Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021, about 3:00 pm on the Laurentian Ranger District. The fire started approximately ten miles southwest of Isabella. Thanks to favorable weather and fire efforts, the threat to cabins, homes, and recreational sites in the area is greatly diminished. Fire crews continue to secure the fire perimeter to ensure the safety of residents when they return to their homes and the sheriff will lift evacuations as soon as it is safe to do so. 14 primary structures and 57 outbuildings were destroyed on August 23. The objective of fire management for the Greenwood Fire is full suppression using all available resources.
Upon the Chief’s arrival, the Greenwood Fire was estimated to be 6,000 acres and zero percent contained. During his deployment, the fire grew to 26,000 and was directly threatening the town of Isabella. Chief Yost was the medical unit leader trainee responsible for the entire incident as well as 7 fire line medics, 2 medical ATVs, and 2 incident ambulances.
First Selectman Jim Marpe added, “I welcome back Chief Yost and thank him for his continued service in fighting wildland fires in the West. I’m proud of him and all the brave firefighters who regularly volunteer their time to be on the front lines of these terrible events. And it’s a reflection of the dedication of all Westport firefighters who help those in need here at home and wherever disasters present a danger to life and property.”
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 7; State Positivity Rate 3.51%, Hospitalizations Up 1
The Westport Weston Health District reported 7 new COVID-19 cases for Westport since yesterday. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 3.51%, and hospitalizations were up 1.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 1,963 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 31 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 3.51% [up from 2.60%]
State Hospitalizations: 364 patients [+1]
Car Accident with One Rolled Over Reported on Wilton Road at Kings Highway
Westport Fire Department PhotoFirst responders were dispatched around 8:15 this morning to the report of a car accident, with one vehicle rolling over, at the intersection of Wilton Road and Kings Highway. No other information is available.
Westport EMS Needs Volunteers: EMS Certification Class Starts September 21st
Contributed photo Westport Volunteer EMSWestport Volunteer Emergency Medical ServiceContributed photoWestport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service (WVEMS) has opened registration for their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course beginning on September 21st. Space is limited and goes quickly. All COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, including a vaccination mandate for all students.
The non-profit EMS organization’s volunteers continued to staff the town’s three ambulances throughout the pandemic - solidifying their dedication to the community - while nearly two years of missed classes has led to a decline in membership.
This highly-renowned course is taught by Westport Paramedic and EMS Instructor Rick Baumblatt, and will utilize cutting edge equipment and technologies in harmony with his over four decades of EMS experience.
High schoolers aged 14 and above are permitted to join the Westport EMS Youth Corps - a prestigious group of high school-aged members of the service that fosters leadership skills and prepares for possible future careers in medicine. Many Youth Corps members continue onto careers in the medical fields. Per State regulations, 14 and 15 year olds are permitted for EMR certification only, and can become EMT certified when they turn 16.
Contributed photo. Upon successful completion of the course and its testing, students will be eligible for state certification, allowing them to volunteer on Westport’s ambulances - saving lives in their community.
“Throughout the pandemic lockdowns, many neighbors actually reached out wondering when they could join us on the ambulances - as they had more time in their schedule and a passion to give back. This is your opportunity to join us in helping our community” says Crew Chief and Board Member Jaime Bairaktaris.
No prior experience or knowledge is necessary to take the course. Members come from many walks of life in our community; all enjoy the satisfaction of being able to save lives in their free time.
A full tuition reimbursement program is available to those who successfully complete the EMT course and go on to volunteer with WVEMS.
Those interested in obtaining additional details or applying should email the Westport EMS Training Division: training@westportems.org. Anyone interested in taking a CPR class or learning more about Westport Volunteer EMS should visit our website: westportems.org.