Fire season is just around the corner for us here in northeastern California and the preparations are already in full swing. Last week, the CAL FIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit descended upon the Devil’s Garden Fire Center for their annual re-hire academy—a high-stakes week designed to transform seasonal veterans back into a cohesive, strike-ready force.
Here is how the crews spent their time getting “fire ready” for the 2026 season:
Mastering the Fundamentals
The week kicked off with a deep dive into technical precision. Firefighters didn’t just walk through drills; they sharpened their edge by practicing interior structure firefighting and perfecting ladder operations. Every second counts when the tone drops, so crews worked on shaving time off their hose lays and ensuring their safety gear deployments were second nature.
Safety Under Pressure
Real-world readiness means being prepared for the worst-case scenario. The academy put a heavy focus on fire shelter deployment drills and aircraft safety, ensuring that every member knows exactly how to move when working around helicopters and air tankers. This was paired with intensive CPR and medical refreshers to keep their life-saving skills as sharp as their Pulaskis.
Alignment with Leadership
It wasn’t just about sweat and grit. The academy provided a rare opportunity for seasonal staff to sit down with Chief Officers. These discussions centered on the core values of the Lassen-Modoc Unit, giving the boots-on-the-ground crew a clear understanding of the strategic goals and expectations for the upcoming fire year.
Inspection and Inventory
Behind every successful fire line is a mountain of logistics. Between the drills, firefighters were busy inspecting every piece of equipment, from their personal protective gear to the engines themselves, making sure that when the call comes, there are no mechanical surprises.
By the time the academy was over at Devil’s Garden, the LMU team emerged more than just a group of individuals—they were a synchronized unit. Whether it’s a localized brush fire or a major campaign blaze, these firefighters have made one thing clear: they are prepared, professional and ready to respond.
