June 30, 2021 10:30 a.m.

The Douglas Forest Protective Association will be conducting live fire training exercises over the next several weeks, as conditions allow.

Kyle Reed of DFPA, said the training may be conducted in fields near Gazley Road outside of Canyonville, Speedway Road near Green, northwest of Roseburg near Garden Valley Road, and northwest of Oakland near Metz Hill. Prior to ignition, dozer lines are completed around the training grounds and suppression equipment and personnel are on scene.

Reed said live fire training is beneficial for both new and returning firefighters. He said for new firefighters, this may be the first actual fire they see, which allows them a hands-on opportunity to apply and practice the suppression tactics they recently learned about at basic fire school. Reed said the training opportunities also give returning firefighters the chance to brush up on their suppression skills, prior to the peak of fire season. Training conducted will include pump and roll tactics, simple and progressive hose lays, fire line construction, mopping up hot spots, and operating a variety of pumps and engines.

Reed said live fire trainings generally occur in the late morning or early afternoon time frame. Each session lasts several hours.