Photofeature by Jeff Fontana
BLM Public Affairs Officer
Bureau of Land Management fire crews from across northern California converged near the community of Madeline on Thursday, June 12th, for exercises designed to test their readiness for the upcoming wildfire season.
Engine crews from as far away as Arcata joined their colleagues from Susanville, Alturas, Cedarville and Redding for the fire simulation. The drill tested fire crews’ responses to multiple lightning strikes, fire fighter injuries, a fire shelter deployment and a vehicle accident with injuries and a fatality.
“In the simulation, we dispatched the engines and crews to a singe smoke report caused by lightning, and then continued to add complications such as more lightning strikes, high winds fanning the fires and accidents,” said BLM Northern California District Manager Nancy Haug. “Our most experienced fire managers were on hand to evaluate the crews’ responses to the scenarios.”
“We were pleased with their professionalism and are confident that our crews are ready for the upcoming season,” she said.
Fire readiness reviews and simulations are routinely held by firefighting agencies as part of a commitment to continuous training and preparedness.
