AmeriCorps NCCC Members Aid in Wildfire Fighting Efforts in Kentucky

Denver, CO—An AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) wildland-firefighting team has been deployed to Kentucky to battle blazes in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The four NCCC members, who are based in Denver, have fought three different fires since they arrived in the area over the weekend, performing initial attack, night operations, mop-up, holding and containment assignments.

“NCCC members have proven time and again that they are critical responders when disaster strikes anywhere in this country,” said Patrick Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees AmeriCorps. “Disaster relief agencies and organizations rely on NCCC teams for their superior training and ability to respond immediately.”

Currently, the NCCC members are assisting in re-opening trails in the Red Bird District of Daniel Boone National Forest and are available for future attacks. They are scheduled to remain in Kentucky for up to two weeks. Prior to deploying, the four were performing wildfire prevention work at a U.S. Forest Service facility in Colorado.

The four are part of a 20-person interagency firefighting team. NCCC members trained in fighting wildfires are available for deployment with the Forest Service when needed. Since NCCC was established in 1994, NCCC members have responded to every major disaster that has occurred in the United States, including numerous wildfires.