Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 28, 1995                   TAG: 9505060014
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOY E. BERG
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MANY PITCHED IN TO FIGHT THE FIRES

Our objective in managing any wildfire is to first protect human life, then property, and finally natural resources. This incident is a fine example of all three objectives. Human life and the safety of all involved was a top priority. No lives were lost, and injuries were minimal. Local volunteer fire companies, the Forest Service, the Virginia Department of Forestry firefighters and homeowners dedicated themselves to saving their own and others' homes being threatened. No structures were lost, and the teamwork at structure protection was tremendous.

Fire is a natural and, indeed, necessary part of nature. It changes the local environment by encouraging growth of some plants and animals and discouraging others. However, we prefer to use fire in the forest environment under controlled conditions where temperatures, winds and humidity levels can't influence the fire intensity and potential danger. The effects of these fires don't appear to be severe, but future investigation will determine the damages, benefits or combinations of each.

During the first couple of days, volunteer fire departments and local Forest Service and state DOF employees worked around the clock trying to contain the fires and to protect homes being threatened. The fact that no homes were burned is a testimony in itself to the dedication and skills of these fine firefighters.

At the height of the fires, nearly 1,000 people were required to manage and carry out the suppression activities. In addition, those who gathered from across the country needed living, eating and sleeping arrangements. It's not easy to set up in less than one day what essentially is a small community for so many people. The immediate efforts put forth by local community organizations and residents to provide for these accommodations were outstanding.

No gesture of help or appreciation in this event has gone unnoticed. When firefighters gather from far and wide, it's a heartwarming feeling to be so welcomed. The city of Salem and the Salem Civic Center staff were outstanding in providing a facility and the services needed by the fire crews that came in. Camp on Craig near New Castle housed and fed crews for several days. The Red Cross scoured Western Virginia for cots to sleep on. Various restaurants and caterers in New Castle and the Roanoke Valley did an outstanding job of feeding everyone tasty meals with good variety.

People stopped in from all over to say thanks. Some brought pans of chili and barbecue, and snacks. At least one teacher brought an envelope of letters from her class - a favorite of the firefighters! When some firefighters asked for something longer to read than a newspaper, we were able to round up boxes of used paperbacks, and reading took place all over the Civic Center.

It would be impossible to mention every person who helped out in this situation, but you know who you are and you have our sincere thanks and appreciation.

Joy E. Berg is forest supervisor for the Jefferson National Forest in Roanoke.