by 
San Manuel Miner
Close to 200 firefighters from Southern Arizona participated in a series of training exercises in Oracle last week. The training was utilized to prepare firefighters for the upcoming wildfire season. The exercise was hosted by the U.S. Forest Service, Arizona Forestry Division, and several local fire agencies from Pima and Pinal Counties. These included the Northwest Fire District, Eloy Fire District, Golder Ranch Fire District, Pinal Rural Fire Department and the Oracle Fire Department.
Wildland members from the Pima and Pinal County Wildland Team from the Southeast Zone took part in the exercise. These are the firefighters that would respond to the Oracle area if there was a wildfire. The drill exercises provided wildland firefighters refresher and certification training which included chainsaw use; deployment of emergency fire shelters; wildland/urban interface triage; and deployment of sprinkler systems and drafting operations.
Michelle Fidler, public information officer said the drill allows the firefighters to get to know each other, strengthen their relationships, and to learn more about the terrain of the area. They also familiarize themselves with different locations in Oracle. The interagency training comes at a time when fire conditions are high due to the warm winter and low rainfall this year.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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