Federal & Local Fire Crews to Train Together

June 11, 2010
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This Saturday, June 12, fire crews from Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest and Jackson Hole Fire/EMS will collaborate in training sessions for the North Zone All Fire Day: a cooperative effort dedicated to fire season preparation and proficiency drills.

During the morning, approximately 80 firefighters will gather at the Wilson Elementary School for indoor workshops covering topics such as fire and medical response skills, GPS map and compass use, interagency radio plans, fire ecology, ignition techniques, incident command and dispatch protocols, and incident planning.

In the afternoon, the group will move to the Stilson Lot’s north parking area to hone various firefighting skills. This area will be closed to the public during the training sessions. Firefighters will actively train in engine drills, hose lays, line digging, medical transport, helicopter site selection, and radio and command operations.

“Annually this effort has helped to build positive relations and protocols between federal and local agencies,” said Steve Markason, North Zone Fire Day committee chair. “It benefits all of us to train together and get to know each other, and it’s an important time for preseason planning.”

All Fire Day training was established in 1998 to provide opportunities for interagency fire personnel to complete field exercises that test basic and essential skills. The exercises also promote safety and efficiency in wildland firefighting, while building relationships and better communication through increased agency coordination.

For more information on Teton Interagency Fire, visit online at www.tetonfire.com.