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.”