As Oregon's State Fire Marshal incident management team members prepare to quickly transition home from their recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, a new leadership duo is set to continue the support seamlessly. In a two-week deployment that began in mid-October, the team has been working tirelessly in Yancey County, providing much-needed aid in the wake of the storm's devastation.
With a change of command on the horizon, Incident Commander Lance Lighty and Plans Section Chief Bill Boos are stepping in to replace departing personnel, as reported by the Oregon State Fire Marshal. They're set to inherit the mantle from Incident Commander Ian Yocum, who has led the team since arrival. The incoming OSFM members, having arrived this Tuesday, will closely shadow the current team before taking over command the following day. This strategic handover ensures that Oregon's support in North Carolina does not falter as recovery operations press forward.
Expressing a profound sense of duty and camaraderie, Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple highlighted the commitment of her teams. "Our team is honored to contribute to the community's continued recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene," she stated in the press release. This gesture reflects individual dedication and Oregon's broader ethos of helping when disaster strikes.
The OSFM's specialized all-hazard incident management teams typically focused on in-state wildfires, but they have shown flexibility in aiding other states during crises. Their deployment to North Carolina was made possible through the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which allows states to support each other in emergencies.
