Federal Agencies To Provide Wildfire Training To Colorado Local Firefighters
Release Date: June 20, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-089a
"Local municipal firefighters already have significant training and experience in fighting structural fires," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman. "It makes sense to build upon their skills by cross training them in wildland fire techniques so they are better able to protect the communities they serve."
Colorado is in the midst of its worst fire season with more than 200,000 acres burned this year. President Bush yesterday declared a major disaster for Colorado. The declaration covers damage to private property from wildfires that began April 23. More than 3,500 federal firefighters have been assigned to Colorado fires along with 200 fire engines, 18 helicopters and 17 air tankers. In addition, FEMA has committed $20 million to state and local governments to help defray firefighting costs.
Under the training initiative, several hundred local firefighters could receive wildland fire training to respond to current and future wildland fires on federal, state and private lands. USDA, DOI and FEMA will pay for training costs and training may begin as early as next week.
"Fires respect no boundaries and are now threatening Colorados Front Range, and other communities could be at risk," said Interior Secretary Gale Norton. "This is going to be a tough, long fire season and we must ensure that our municipal firefighters have the necessary training and skills to respond and fight wildland fires in the urban interface."
Participating firefighters will be required to take and pass the same health screening and conditioning tests that are required of federal firefighters. For example, firefighters will have to pass a work capacity test that requires firefighters to carry a 45-pound pack, three miles within 45 minutes. Once the three-day training is complete and tests are passed, the firefighters will receive their federal firefighting red cards, qualifying them to fight wildland fires.
"President Bush is making sure that all available resources are being used to help Colorado fight current and future wildfires," said FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh. "This funding will add critical numbers to the ranks of trained firefighters needed to save lives and protect property in Colorado."
The initiative supports the historic "Collaborative Approach for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment Implementation Plan." The plan requires federal, state, local and tribal agencies to work together to improve fire prevention and suppression, reduce hazardous fuels and promote community assistance.
"Colorado has an outstanding corps of local firefighters. Getting them the specialized training they need to use their skills to fight wildfires is extremely valuable for our state and our citizens. Secretary Norton, Secretary Veneman, Director Allbaugh and -- above all -- President Bush deserve great thanks for this proactive and innovative federal team approach to helping Colorado firefighters," said Colorado Governor Bill Owens.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 20-Aug-2003 16:35:07