20 Massachusetts firefighters returned to the state this weekend after three weeks fighting fires in the west. Photo: Suzanne Sausville/WBZ NewsRadio
HOPKINTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — 20 Massachusetts firefighters who traveled to the northern Rockies three weeks ago to help fight wildfires in Montana and Idaho returned home to Hopkinton Saturday.
For most people driving across country to help fight wildfires is not their idea of a good time.
Joe Nawrocki has been out west four times now and says it’s not just the fires that are dangerous.
"When you're in the woods, the terrain is very slippery...that's more of a hazard, the slips, trips and falls...luckily we had some really good guidance," he said.
They helped fight three fires, and two are now 100 percent contained. Nawrocki had thousands of miles of road to think about what he planned to do when he got home, which included beer, ice cream, and seeing his dog.
For another firefighter, Daniel Bove, this was his first assignment out west. He said the altitude was a big challenge.
"We're coming from a lower elevation...you're catching your breath and keeping up with guys who are doing this every day out there," Bove said.
About 40 fires in the northern Rockies are still burning, but DCR Chief Fire warden David Celino said the mission was a success.
WBZ’s Suzanne Sausville (@wbzSausville) reports.
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