Firefighters from Monterey, Mt. Pinos, Ojai, Santa Barbara and Santa Lucia Ranger Districts took part in a two-week training class and were able to practice fire attack procedures under stressful live-fire conditions thanks to the cooperation of Fort Hunter Ligget and the U.S. Forest Service. The training incorporated hand line construction, mobile attack procedures, various hose lays, foam appliances, firing techniques, strategy and tactics, safety practices, and wildland fire investigation techniques.

For the rookies, it was a demanding class that allowed them to practice extending hose lines in steep, uneven terrain and to use hand tools and firing devices for the first time. One trainee with his eyes tearing from the smoke said, “There is sure a lot to learn out here” as he panted going up the hill with a hose pack on, trying to out-flank the fire.

Forest Service supervisors worked with Fort Hunter Liggett personnel and said that they were pleased with the results of the cost-effective training. One hundred firefighters, many of who are first-year seasonals, staffed 25 engines, eight patrols and two hand crews and took part in the training. For those lucky enough to attend, they were able to hone their skills before the California fire season was in full swing. Last year's training program had to be canceled because fire season kicked into high gear early as the Wolfe Fire erupted on the Ojai Ranger District in Ventura County before training could be initiated.

Forest Service Bttn. Chiefs Mark Vontillow, Tony Duprey, Steve Davis and Will Spyrison found the training invaluable for their troops. Under their watchful eye, each battalion chief observed his crew's operations and was allowed to give positive feedback to each attack strategy deployed. The battalion chiefs took an active role on the front lines and insured all safety practices were followed.

For newly appointed engine captains, the training helped to enhance their supervision and leadership skills and focus on crew continuity. Every morning prior to the exercises, tenured Capt. Frank Zabrowski briefed on firefighter safety, survival and suppression tactics and the importance of personal protective ensembles.

Several spot fire scenarios intentionally tried to lure firefighters away from their crew and into unburned fuel. It was constantly reiterated that all the crews needed to have one foot in the black and one in the green, and not get separated or distracted. The importance of communication and following orders was stressed as a top priority.

Personnel spiked out at the Merle Ranch and were provided food and rustic sleeping accommodations, just as they would receive in a fire camp setting.

The second week of training focused on wildland fire investigation techniques and allowed personnel the opportunity to scientifically and systematically study active fire behavior and related burn patterns to determine origin and cause. Investigators were able to observe and document burn pattern indicators, arson device timing and testing and to review NFPA 921 and 1033 as they relate to wildland fire investigations.

During the training, two hand crews from Los Padres National Forest were dispatched to Arizona to help quell a series of fires that struck Region 3.

Jeff Zimmerman is a fire captain with the San Luis Obispo (Calif.) Fire Department and a photographer for Wildfire.