Southern California Firefighters Prepare for Wildfire Season -- and Urge Residents to Prepare Too -- During Wildfire Awareness Week

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - May 11, 2012) - The Barona Fire Protection District, along with numerous emergency service agencies, will conduct an annual wildfire firefighter field training in preparation for the 2012 fire season. Held in conjunction with CalFire's Wildfire Awareness Week, the three-day, hands-on training exercise is being sponsored by the Barona Band of Mission Indians and SDG&E.

"In preparation for the upcoming fire season and to deliver the best defense against wildfires, we want to make sure that our crews are properly trained and equipped to handle any scenario," said Ken Kremensky, division chief of Barona Fire Protection District. "This annual interagency training improves both safety and responsiveness."

Firefighters will demonstrate their readiness through a variety of drills while wearing full safety gear and carrying firefighting tools, including: engine companies will practice wildland hoselays, pumping evolutions and structure protection drills; firefighters will deploy fire shelters under simulated emergency conditions within 30 seconds; and aerial resources will practice coordinated fire attacks with ground resources under simulated fire conditions.

In addition to honing skills, fire authorities are also reaching out to San Diegans with recommendations as to how they can help reduce the threat of wildfires.

To prepare for the upcoming wildfire season, Kremensky offered a few simple tips for residents:

• Create Defensible Space: Remove flammable vegetation 100 feet from their homes;
• Have an Action Plan: Develop a safety and evacuation plan for family and pets; and
• Safeguard Valuables: Keep important paper work, photos and keepsakes in a place that can be moved quickly in the event of an evacuation.

For additional tips and recommendations, visit www.readyforwildfire.org

Established in 1998, the Barona Fire Protection District provides dedicated fire service to the residents and patrons of the Barona Reservation. The District has grown to include 20-full time fire personnel and has auto-aide agreements with Lakeside Fire Protection District, Ramona Fire Protection District, San Pasqual Fire Department, Sycuan Fire Department and Central Zone agencies. This allows firefighters and emergency responders to provide assistance and receive aid in time of need.