Salem, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard plans to activate more than 300 Guard members to attend Firefighter II certification training at three sites in Oregon. The weeklong training begins July 27 and provides additional trained resources for the fire season in Oregon.
"We've seen very active fire seasons for our neighbors to the north and south, and we may face a similar situation in Oregon," said Gov. Ted Kulongoski. "We have robust resources already in place, but I want to ensure we have the ability to respond with additional support if needed.
"That's why I've asked the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon Military Department to work together and train our citizen-Soldiers and Airmen."
The week-long training includes two courses teaching wildland fire behavior as well as other entry-level safety and firefighting skills.
After certification, the Guardsmen can be deployed on 48-hour notice to wildfires as members of 20-person firefighting hand crews if the governor declare a state of emergency. They will be used primarily to strengthen firelines and support agency firefighters.
Other states may also be able to call on them through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) if they are not needed in Oregon. The EMAC is a formal agreement among several states and territories to provide mutual support during emergencies.
National Guard resources are called to assist when all commercial resources have been exhausted.
"Containment levels are increasing in California, and Oregon is having a slower fire season, but the potential for fires is still there," said Kulongoski. "This training is about being fully prepared."
The training cadre includes personnel from the Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, and Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Training will take place at Camp Rilea near Astoria, at the Pendleton Armory in Pendleton, and at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls.
Oregon recently provided support to California through EMAC by sending crews and a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The dual-rotor CH-47 is able to precisely drop 2,000 gallons of water from a bucket suspended below the aircraft.
The U.S. Forest Service and the state of Oregon are funding the training.