(Cedar City, UT) - Over 185 regional firefighting personnel from 27 southwestern Utah communities gathered Friday and Saturday for an in-depth Wildland Fire Engine Training Workshop funded by the Bureau of Land Management Ready Reserve program. The event was held at Southern Utah University and Three Peaks Recreation Area and focused on providing local and regional firefighters with hands-on training with (1) engine and water tender operation, (2) radio programming and (3) Interagency Unified Command operation.

Firefighters were trained in advanced skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively operate in a wildland fire environment. During initial phase of a wildland fire, engines make up the bulk of fire suppression forces. Consequently, effective use of engines and water tenders are critical in managing fires safely and efficiently during initial and extended suppression activities.

Workshop participants are encouraged to take the skills and concepts learned at the workshop and apply them at their respective fire departments.

Workshop facilitators included professional fire management officials from Local, State, and Federal agencies including the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands.