Cal Guard and CAL FIRE complete annual wildland firefighting training

Members of the California Military Department (CMD), known as Cal Guard, recently participated in annual wildland firefighting training with counterparts from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

The training event took place near Ione, California, on 23 April 2023. It was composed of collaborative aerial wildland firefighting tactics and procedures and is part of the long-standing relationship between the CMD and CAL FIRE to jointly, safely and effectively combat fires.

CAL FIRE Battalion Chief and Training Event Cadre Lead, Tim Shiffer, explained that during fire season CAL FIRE’s aerial firefighting equipment becomes exhausted and so they must call on Cal Guard. He said: “We really rely on the Cal Guard to step up and fill in the gaps in a surge capacity for fighting fires in California.”

During the training, Cal Guard and CAL FIRE crews practiced hoisting Bambi Bucket systems to fill and dump water on designated drop sites.

“The training, once complete, allows the Cal National Guard to take firefighters, or military helicopter managers, on their aircraft as crew members and integrate our military aircraft into firefighting operations,” explained US Army Lt Col Daniel Anderson, the State Aviation Deputy Officer.

The training qualifies various other positions, such as liaisons and other crucial military personnel, to receive credentialing to operate within the fire system and support their civilian emergency service counterparts.

“Without this training, we wouldn’t know what the stakes, capabilities, or readiness are, or have those networks and relationships established,” said Anderson, who also serves in a dual capacity as a CAL FIRE pilot.