Okeechobee County Public Safety Director and Fire Chief Earl Wooten recently returned from a significant deployment in Panguitch, Utah. As part of the Great Basin Complex Incident Team #5, Chief Wooten provided crucial support to the U.S. Forestry Service in combating the extensive France Canyon Fire, which has scorched over 33,000 acres in Southwest Utah since its outbreak on June 17th.
The France Canyon Fire quickly escalated, becoming the largest active wildfire in the nation, prompting the U.S. Government to call in additional resources. Chief Wooten departed for Utah on June 21st and worked tirelessly until July 3rd to help manage the overwhelming situation.
Upon his arrival, Chief Wooten was placed on the Incident Command Team, overseeing and supporting a team of 400 firefighters as they battled the raging inferno. At the height of the response, up to 900 firefighters were mobilized to support the efforts. His expertise and leadership proved invaluable as he worked diligently to ensure safety and coordination among the firefighting teams.
“I am proud to have been part of such a dedicated and adaptive team during this challenging time,” said Chief Wooten. “The determination of the firefighters on the ground was inspiring, and I’m grateful for the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in bringing this fire under control. Together, we made a significant impact in managing the situation and protecting lives and property.”
Chief Wooten served as a liaison officer on the incident command team, adeptly troubleshooting problems and addressing obstacles that arose during the firefighting efforts. He remained on site until the fire was brought down to a manageable level for the 200 local firefighters who were prepared to continue the fight.
His remarkable efforts reflect not only his dedication to public safety but also highlight the collaborative spirit of firefighting teams nationwide when faced with natural disasters. Okeechobee County is proud to have such a capable leader representing our community in these vital operations.
