Wildland fire crews prepare for Arizona wildfire season during two-day training

By Kenny Darr
KGUN TV Arizona
April 3, 2024
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

APACHE JUNCTIONS, AZ — Arizona wildland fire crews are putting their hard hats on and running toward it. “The mindset isn’t necessarily ‘I’m here to save people.’ It’s – ‘this is my duty,'” said Jeff Gallivan, the Battalion Chief for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. With 9 out of 10 wildfires being caused by humans, Gallivan is making sure response teams stay ready. …On April 1 and 2, DFFM held its annual wildland fire training with local, state and federal agencies. Crews learned how to combat wildfires through in-class learning and field drills, including fire shelter deployment and radio communication. Keyhan Tabak, the fire captain for the Superstition Fire Crew, said the hours of preparation come down to one key component – safety. Tabak said, “we want to make sure our firefighters are physically, mentally trained and capable and able to fight that fire so their safety comes number one.”

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