Park Hosts Live Structural Fire Training

Yosemite National Park held a live structural fire training on Saturday, March 21st. Approximately 30 people participated in the training, including firefighters from Yosemite, DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and volunteer firefighters from the surrounding community. 

The training involved live fire sets where crews were able to hone their firefighting skills, including observing fire behavior and applying appropriate fire control measures. Working together under stress also enhanced team cohesion.

“Adding live fire to an exercise greatly ups the intensity, despite the controlled environment,” said Deron Mills, acting park fire chief. “Trainings like this are crucial to help us recognize and mitigate the stresses that we will be under in real life structural fire situations, helping us ensure firefighter safety and operational success.”  

After the sets were completed, crews protected surrounding resources while the house was burned to the ground.  Community interest in the event was high.