Tennessee Utilizes EMAC to Send Firefighting Aid in Response to Louisiana Fires

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has deployed firefighting teams to Louisiana in response to ongoing statewide wildfires.

"The Volunteer State has answered Louisiana's call for aid while they battle devastating wildfires," said TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan. "Tennessee's firefighters work every day to save lives and their expertise will provide much needed relief to southwest and central Louisiana fire departments."

The fire engine strike team will provide critical wildfire support including burn ban assistance and tactical mission capabilities.

The strike team includes 19 members and represents the following Tennessee jurisdictions:

• Arlington Fire Department
• Brentwood Fire Department
• Fayette Fire Department
• Franklin Fire Department
• Millington Fire Department
• Murfreesboro Fire Department

TEMA is coordinating Tennessee's deployments through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation's state-to-state mutual aid system. For additional information on EMAC and how sates help each other in times of disaster, visit emacweb.org.

The Tennessee National Guard also provided two UH-60 helicopters and crews to support firefighting operations in the Pelican State.

Louisiana is experiencing widespread wildfires following record high heat and extreme drought. The largest blaze, the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish, has already burned an estimated 23 square miles.

About the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency: TEMA's mission is to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery from man-made, natural and technological hazards in a professional and efficient manner in concert with our stakeholders. Follow TEMA on social media and at tn.gov/tema.

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