Briceland VFD would like to thank everyone who collaborated with us to make the 2023 Southern Humboldt Wildland Fire Academy and the annual RT-130 a great success. Following guidelines defined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, 47 students completed the Academy to become newly certified Type 2 Fire Fighters. Among the graduates were 8 teenagers (the next generation of our local fire service!), 13 members of the group Native Health in Native Hands, a Native led non-profit focused on restoring traditional knowledge, and several members from the Humboldt County Prescribed Burn Association (HCPBA).
Sunday’s RT-130 was the Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher that is required for all active fire service members. Years ago Briceland VFD started holding this training for our own members to meet the certification requirements necessary to provide fire fighting services when called upon for local and statewide emergencies. Later, we began hosting members of our neighboring volunteer fire depts. and the event grew. In 2023 we held our largest training to date, and moved from Briceland to the Southern Humboldt Community Park to accommodate the 123 participants from 16 different fire departments and organizations, plus invited instructors and support staff. This training provides a critical opportunity to work together with our larger community, building camaraderie and refining skills, while focusing on safety.
Special thanks to CalFire, who assisted with Copter 909 from the Kneeland Helitack Base, coordinating with volunteer crews on the ground to make bucket drops on a mock fire and landing to discuss aviation safety with our crew, and to the crew of Engine 1271, stationed in Garberville. Thanks also for sponsorship from the Humboldt County Prescribed Fire Association, and the University of California Cooperative Extension.
Also, thanks to the KMUD radio news team for sharing the photos they took!
