Firefighters from throughout Santa Clara County, including members of the San José Fire Department, continue their training to contend with fires in the wildland urban interface (WUI). With an ongoing drought and citizens building and living in areas prone to vegetation fires, fire departments throughout the South Bay confront serious challenges in their effort to protect lives, property, and the environment.
During a recent three-day drill coordinated by the Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs Association, firefighters gathered at Sanborn County Park near Saratoga to participate in a mutual-aid exercise. Crews conducted hands-on practice in structure defense, use of hand tools, fire shelter deployment, and familiarization with the latest wildland urban interface strategy and tactics.
While firefighters continually train for wildland fires, their success in preserving life, property and the environment depends on the efforts of citizens. Creation of defensible space around homes, fuel reduction, and knowing your escape routes are just a few of the elements residents in the wildland urban interface should complete and be familiar with.
The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council offers a comprehensive resource for citizens of the county.
Are you ready?
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