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TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA FORESTRY COMMISSION IN ITS VALIANT CONTROL OF THE HIGHWAY 31 WILDFIRE IN HORRY COUNTY.
Whereas, the South Carolina Forestry Commission led a large team of firefighters from approximately forty different multi-state agencies to control what is known as the Highway 31 Wildfire in Horry County in April 2009; and
Whereas, around 500 personnel were involved in land and air suppression efforts, including over 120 Commission personnel; and
Whereas, the fire was the second largest wildfire in state history at almost 20,000 acres and the worst ever with damage and costs in the tens of millions of dollars; and
Whereas, damage was extensive to timber, homes, equipment, and personal lives. However, damage would have been much worse without the heroic efforts of many firefighters. Around 1000 homes were threatened but saved, and most importantly, the entire operation was blessed in that there were no significant injuries or deaths; and
Whereas, some of the firefighters include Terry Cook and Wayne Springs, both of Williamsburg County, who deployed fire shelters to protect themselves when their positions were overrun by the fast moving wildfire; and
Whereas, three of the key field operations leaders include Harold Lawrimore, a Williamsburg County firefighter and supervisor; Mike Bozzo, an Incident Commander from Columbia; and Mike Ney, an Operations Chief from Williamsburg County; and
Whereas, just a few of the firefighters include Becky Bradstreet, Jonathan Calore, David West, Larry Moody, and Gene Kodama; and
Whereas, with the forest, agriculture, outdoor, and tourism economy being primary drivers of the state's economy, the control of wildfires has become even more important in South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate, by this resolution, recognize and commend the South Carolina Forestry Commission in its valiant control of the Highway 31 Wildfire in Horry County in April 2009.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
This web page was last updated on April 30, 2009 at 11:57 AM