Christopher LeClaire, Fire Chief
3 Greenleaf St.
Newburyport, MA 01950
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Newburyport Firefighter Travels to Canada to Help Battle Wildfires
NEWBURYPORT — Chief Christopher LeClaire announces that Call-Firefighter/Dispatcher Conor Clancy joined 15 of his Massachusetts colleagues in an assignment in British Columbia, Canada where they’re working to battle more than 110 fires that have spread throughout the region.
Firefighter Clancy left on Aug. 3 for a two-week assignment through the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Bureau of Forestry and Fire Control and Department of Fish and Game. He joins an international crew of wildland firefighters involved in the effort.
More than a million acres of land are affected by the fires, causing thousands to evacuate their homes. Throughout their time in Canada, crews will focus on securing perimeters, protecting vital structures, working on the fire line, building fire breaks and containing fires.
On Aug. 6, Firefighter Clancy and the Massachusetts fire crew began their first assignment on Elephant Hill where 275,000 acres are burning.
“We’re pleased that Firefighter Clancy was able to contribute to these efforts abroad. He is providing invaluable assistance to an area that is greatly in need,” Chief LeClaire said. “We wish him and the entire crew good luck while there and a safe return home.”
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