West Virginia Division of Forestry
www.wvforestry.com
Joe Manchin III, Governor
Randy Dye, Director/State Forester
News Release: Sept. 18, 2007
Leslie Fitzwater, Public Information Specialist (304) 558-2003 ext. 342, lfitzwater@wvcommerce.org
Foresters Hold Firefighter Training
Agency gears up for fire season with week-long school at Jackson’s Mill
WESTON, W.Va. –The Division of Forestry (DOF) is hosting “fire school” this week at Jackson’s Mill in Lewis County to train new employees and personnel from other state agencies in wildland firefighting techniques. Nearly 30 students from the DOF and the state’s Division of Natural Resources are taking courses this week that include wildland fire behavior, fire line safety, firefighting tools, and causes and origins of wildfires.
“Wildland firefighting is a dangerous job,” said Assistant State Forester Matt Dillon. “All wildland firefighters must be properly trained in firefighting tactics and safety procedures to ensure their personal well-being.”
Dillon said that approximately 20 instructors are on-site to teach the students in various courses and answer any questions the students may have about real-life fire situations. Two hands-on sessions, a mock wildfire suppression exercise and a wildfire simulation activity, provide students with opportunities to administer techniques they’ve learned throughout the week.
“Our students will have to apply what they’ve learned here rather quickly,” Dillon said. “The fall forest fire season starts Oct. 1.”
Forestry officials expect this fall’s fire season to be an active one due to the lack of rain this summer and moisture deficits in many parts of the state. More than 500 acres of forestland have been scorched by at least 80 separate wildfires during September.
For more information about this week’s firefighting training at Jackson’s Mill, contact Ben Webster at (304) 382-6827.
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Editor’s note: Photo opportunities will be available during the mock wildfire suppression exercise scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19. Contact Ben Webster at (304) 382-6827 for location.