Editor, Gazette-Journal:

On Saturday, Feb. 19, catastrophic fires broke out in Gloucester County, affecting many of our citizens and taxing our emergency services to a level not seen in recent history. First, fires broke out in the Guinea area of Gloucester, and as the day progressed, others broke out in the northern end of the county. A combination of dangerously high winds, dry vegetation and humidity levels below 10 percent created a fire of a magnitude not seen in this area for nearly 50 years.

Fortunately for the residents in the Guinea area, no homes were lost. But the same cannot be said for the Adams Creek and Starvation Road areas, located in the northwest area of the county. It is most unfortunate that any homes were lost; but, on the other side of the coin, no serious injuries or loss of life occurred.

Initial firefighting and evacuation efforts were handled by Gloucester Volunteer Fire & Rescue personnel, but quickly evolved into a regional effort. Apparatus and...