Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2003 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation dispatched a crew of 25 firefighters this morning to Southern California to fight the rampaging fires in that area.
Cherokee Nation Firedancers, Tyrone Beaver of Arkhoma (left), and Ross Hanes of Grove (right), pack up before leaving to fight fires in California. 
The crew flew from Fort Smith on Friday morning and will be fighting the more than 272,000-acre Cedar Fire near San Diego Friday night.
"I got called at 5:00 a.m. this morning", said Andy Oosahwe, a Firedancer from Tahlequah. “As of last night, I didn't think we were going, but we are and I'm ready. We'll be gone for two weeks."
Many of the Firedancers anticipated the call, after seeing reports of the fire emergencies taking place in California.
"I’ve been ready to, and have been calling the office daily to see if we would be going out", said Wendy Wing, a Firedancer from Flute Springs. "I got the call this morning and we’re ready to go."
"We were scheduled for a refresher course this morning, but I got a call this morning saying it was cancelled and we were going to the California fire instead", said Ronnie Bush, a Firedancer from Flute Springs.
The Firedancers are expected to return from California in the middle of November.
| Related contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |