Press Releases
08/14/2026
DEEP Deploys Wildland Fire Crews to Minnesota
Connecticut Crews Continue to Support Nationwide Wildfire Efforts
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Forestry Division mobilized two crews recently to assist with wildfire suppression efforts on the Bear Trap fire in Minnesota. The group is part of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew (CIFC), which is part of the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact.
Four members who are serving as an engine crew departed on Friday, August 7th. The second crew consisting of 10 members departed from DEEP’s Eastern District Headquarters in Marlborough on August 11th. They will be on assignment for 14 days.
CIFC has deployed 39 firefighters to support efforts in Georgia, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, and Quebec this summer. Many of them have made multiple trips, and some are on their third deployment. This is the second time that CIFC has been sent to support efforts on the Bear Trap fire.
The Bear Trap fire, in Minnesota and Canada, ignited on July 7, 2026, after a lightning strike. It later merged with the nearby Dark Fire. It has burned just under 30,000 acres and has been classified as a Type 1 Complex incident by the United States Forest Service, a classification reserved for the most complex and resource-intensive wildfire emergencies.
Crew members include a mix of full-time DEEP staff and trained “call-when-needed” wildland firefighters who are certified to national wildland firefighting standards. All crew members volunteer for these assignments and have received training in wildfire suppression tactics, safety, and incident command.
"These deployments not only provide critical assistance to the communities across the United States and beyond, but they also give Connecticut's wildland firefighters invaluable real-world experience that strengthens our own preparedness here at home," said Acting DEEP Commissioner Emma Cimino. "We are grateful to every firefighter who volunteered for this assignment, and we wish them a safe and successful deployment as they support the wildfire response efforts in Minnesota."
Richard Schenk, DEEP Fire Control Officer, shared a message he received from the crew on the front lines. “The communities directly affected by wildfire are very appreciative. It is humbling to see how many people, despite losing homes, property, and even loved ones, still take the time to visit fire camps across the country simply to say thank you.”
DEEP’s Forestry Division coordinates the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew, for which it maintains a roster of agency staff members and private individuals, many of whom are associated with local fire departments and have been certified to fight wildfires. Crew members must complete a rigorous training program, participate in an annual physical capacity test, and complete refresher training.
Connecticut maintains this firefighting capability to participate in a reciprocal aid program operated by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Under this program, trained personnel from other states and countries are available to assist Connecticut in the event of a fire emergency or other natural disaster, in return for Connecticut's support when needed. All state agency expenses directly associated with these deployments are reimbursed to the State in full by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service.
More information on the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew.
More information on the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-4100