LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit fire crews from Konocti Conservation Camp and Delta Conservation Camp will hold their annual Fire Crew Readiness Exercises in Lake County on April 30 and May 1.
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The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, in conjunction with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation operates 39 conservation camps with approximately 200 fire crews throughout California.

This partnership of state agencies provides a large force of trained crews for all types of emergency incident mitigation and resource conservation projects.

The Fire Crew Readiness Exercises provide an opportunity for the nine fire crews from the two conservation camps to be evaluated on their physical conditioning, firefighting knowledge, fire safety and personal protective equipment.

The exercise is an important part of preparing for fires in California. The crew members are educated and trained to work under extreme fire conditions, many times in triple-digit heat.

Under competitive pressure, the fire crews will construct fire lines utilizing chainsaws and hand tools, hike a set distance with varying terrain into a pre-designated site, deploy fire shelters, as well as expand their knowledge in fire, bulldozer and helicopter safety.

Proctors will remind them of the importance of communication, their personal protective gear and proper hydration.

It is an outstanding opportunity to put the year’s training to the test and to gear-up both physically and mentally for the ensuing fire season.

Personnel from Cal Fire and the CDCR will participate throughout all elements of the exercises.

For more information about preparing for wildfire, visit www.readyforwildfire.org.