June wrap-up...

With the culmination of the New Mexico fire season, June was a busy month for us. We logged a total of 28 calls for service, many being calls to assist at large wildfires throughout the region. As a result, It was decided to form a Wildland Task Force to better respond to forest and wildfires, in coordination with Otero County and the US Forest Service. Anyone interested in being a part of this can contact Chief Mark Klaene for details.

Sierra Blanca Fire Academy

The annual Sierra Blanca Wildland Fire Academy in Ruidoso is scheduled for the first week of February. If you are interested in going contact Chief Klaene. Class expenses are normally covered by the department for members.

You can see the training schedule at this link:

http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/administrative/training/training.htm

Highlights of Training at Pineywoods

Training was completed at the Pineywoods Substation today. The crew went over Forward and reverse lays, and the differences between Class "A" and Gel foam. These foams are used extensively for wild-land fire protection, and are something the crews need to be thoroughly familiar with. Gel type foam is normally used to protect houses and structures from being over-run by an advancing wildfire.

A small structural fire attack scenario was also performed. At some point in the future, a live burn is planned for this training building.





Flame Impingement Test...
52 seconds with no foam protection.


52 seconds with blanket of Gel Foam

Department Training Notice...

The High Rolls Fire Department will be conducting training this Saturday, May 9th. This training is part of a series of Wildland Interface protection and will occur in the Pineywoods area. Members are advised to have their Wildland Fire gear ready and to expect the exercise to commence around 08:30.