Submitted by San Juan Fire

Two San Juan Island firefighters, Captain Tad Lean and firefighter Ben Ware — as part of the Northwest Washington Strike Team, — are en route in five wildland engines (including one belonging to San Juan County) to Salem, Oregon to fight fires in southern Oregon.

The severity of Oregon’s fire has prompted a large recruitment. The last time staff sent an engine out of state was in 2007 to the Harris fire in Lake Arrowhead, California. In addition to providing assistance, local firefighters gain skills they are able to utilize at home.