ASHE COUNTY — Local Ashe County Assistant Ranger, Luke Hall, along with 19 other personnel from the NC Forest Service are in Oregon battling wildfires. This is Hall’s second detail out west. Luke started his career in 2021, after working in the private sector for over 24 years.
When crews are dispatched on detail, they will spend 14 days of up to 16 hr days working in the hot dry conditions. This kind of working environment takes commitment and courage especially while fighting fire on new terrain. Hand crews are used where heavy equipment such as bulldozer cannot access, typically steep, rocky terrain. They will construct fire breaks with hand tools in these areas.
If you are interested in starting a career with the NC Forest Service, job postings can be found at www.ncforestservice.gov, or call the Ashe County headquarters at (336) 982-2471.