COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — Volunteer wildland firefighters from several counties spent the weekend learning crucial chainsaw skills in Colorado Springs.
Black Forest Fire Rescue partnered with the not-for-profit La Foret Conference and Retreat Center for a multi-agency training.
Crews worked to earn the S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw Certification, a nationally recognized U.S. Forest Service training standard that qualifies fire and forestry personnel to safely operate chainsaws in wildland fire environments.
Firefighters also performed fire mitigation work by thinning out trees across the 350-acre property.
Tony Cerrone, deputy fire chief of the Black Forest Fire Department, said the hands-on practice is vital before fire season begins.
"Yeah, we are anticipating a hot, dry summer. The forecast suggests that we could be moving towards a drought, if that's the case, that creates a heightened sense of concern,"
Recertification classes for experienced firefighters who already hold the certification will continue this week.
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Southern Colorado communities are being evacuated as a wildfire explodes
Neighborhoods and the Town of Beulah have been evacuated after a wildfire burning along Highway 165 has exploded in size.
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