Cherokee Nation 'Firedancers' fighting western wildfires

Oklahoma firefighters called up to fight western wildfires. The Cherokee Nation 'Firedancers' have been called up for firefighting duties in Utah. <br><br>In all, 38 'Firedancers' were

Tuesday, June 11th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma firefighters called up to fight western wildfires. The Cherokee Nation 'Firedancers' have been called up for firefighting duties in Utah.

In all, 38 'Firedancers' were called up Friday and flown to a major wildfire in southern Utah.

The 'Firedancers', based out of Tahlequah, are trained and used by the National Forest Service each year. Cherokee officials say this is the earliest they've been asked to help fight wildfires.

Officials say two crews, consisting of 19 men each, were flown by the National Forest Service to Cedar City, Utah to help battle the â€˜Big Washâ€™ fire in southern Utah.