PHOTOS: Deep in the forest of Joint Base Lewis-McChord Training Area 13, the next batch of Washington National Guard wildland firefighters honed their skills on Sunday, April 28, in preparation of the upcoming fire season.
Approximately 127 guardsmen participated in the annual wildfire training program led by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Roy. Guardsmen had previously completed online training, but they put the skills they learned to the test for the first time at the training event. They began at a slow pace to establish their skills before they simulated a live fire event to test their readiness for a real-world wildfire situation. By the end of the day, guardsmen received qualifications at the Firefighter Type 2 level.