Forest Service firefighters helping with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

COEUR d'ALENE - A crew of 20 Forest Service firefighters from North Idaho has headed back east to assist with relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy.

The crew was part of a larger contingency of relief workers leaving Saturday morning from Missoula, Mont., traveling to Harrisburg, Pa. Ultimately the crew is most likely to be assisting with relief efforts in New Jersey, according to a press release.

"We are glad to be of assistance and will provide whatever is necessary to help out," said Idaho Panhandle National Forests Supervisor Mary Farnsworth.

In the past, local crews have assisted with a wide range of disasters including hurricanes, the Space Shuttle recovery in Texas and the 9/11 disaster response.

"Although our firefighters are most well known for their wildland firefighting, Forest Service crews have skills applicable to all types of emergency hazards," Farnsworth said.

If FEMA requests additional help, the Forest Service and partnering agencies throughout North Idaho will respond, the press release said.