Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that the Florida Forest Service is deploying a Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) of 35 highly trained personnel to assist South Carolina in managing a dramatic increase in wildfires.
The CIMT—a specialized unit comprised of experienced incident commanders, operations specialists, and support staff—is designed to tackle large-scale and complex wildfire incidents under high-pressure conditions.
“When a neighbor is in need, Florida will always answer the call for help,” said Commissioner Simpson at a press briefing. “Just as we would count on South Carolina to stand with us in our time of need, we are proud to send our highly skilled wildland firefighting personnel to assist in their wildfire response.”
READ: Major Storms To Bring Snow, Severe Weather, And Fire Risk To Millions Across US
The deployment underscores the strength of regional compact agreements, such as the Southeastern Compact, which foster inter-state collaboration to enhance wildfire preparedness and response.
“Through this deployment, the Florida Forest Service not only showcases its commitment to regional cooperation but also highlights the strength of the Southeastern Compact in enhancing wildfire preparedness and response capabilities,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. “We are glad to provide our neighboring state of South Carolina with the additional wildland fire response resources needed at this time.”
South Carolina has been grappling with multiple wildfires that pose significant threats to property and natural resources. The Florida CIMT is expected to bolster South Carolina’s efforts by providing on-the-ground leadership, tactical expertise, and comprehensive planning and logistics support.
With extensive experience in managing wildfires across more than 26 million acres, the Florida Forest Service brings critical regional knowledge of the unique challenges posed by local climates, terrain, and vegetation.
READ: DeSantis Declares Florida The Trailblazer In Fiery 2025 State Of The State Speech
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, oversees more than 1 million acres of state forests and offers forest management assistance across over 17 million acres of private and community forests. Its continued dedication to protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources has made it a leader in wildfire management.
As wildfires continue to threaten communities across South Carolina, the deployment of the Florida CIMT represents a vital step in mitigating their impact.
“Our expertise in managing complex wildfire incidents will help protect lives, property, and natural resources,” Commissioner Simpson affirmed. “This is what true partnership looks like – states working together to meet challenges head-on and ensure the safety of our communities.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
