Nantahala National Forest employee fighting fires in Australia

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga – Normally, this time of year Michael Williams could be found in the Nantahala National Forest, but Williams decided to join the 100+ American and Canadian firefighters currently trying to stop the widespread fires in Australia.

As of Jan. 16, 2020, the brush fires have killed 28 people, destroyed 2,600 homes and scorched an area of more than 25.5 million acres. Over 1,700 total firefighters have been deployed in New South Wales, Australia to fight the fires.

Williams is assigned to wildfire support in Australia and stationed in the Shoalhaven District, which has been severely impacted by wildfire with as much as 80% of the district burned and 289 homes confirmed destroyed. Luckily, the region has starting receiving a little rain with more in the forecast.

He’s serving as a planning section chief so Williams collects, evaluates, and disseminates information about the development of the fire and status of resources. All of this information helps fire managers understand the current situation, predict the probable course of events, and prepare alternative strategies and control operations.

The Nantahala National Forest issued this statement on Facebook

 

We’re proud of Michael for stepping up to serve and we’re very touched by the reception firefighters are getting when they arrive in Australia. We’ve been lucky to have a mild wildfire season here in NC and glad that one of our own can put his skills to use helping another place in need.

The U.S. National Forest in North Carolina shared photos sent by Williams from Australia. A few are in this article courtesy of the U.S. National Forest and Williams.