Training on April 26 to prepare area volunteer firefighters for wildland blazes

FROM STAFF REPORTS

SUNRISE BEACH — With much of Llano and surrounding counties a mix of suburban and rural landscapes, volunteer fire departments often face many unknowns when battling grass and brush fires. But an effort by Texas A&M University fire experts and Llano County is focused on helping those departments prepare.

Llano County Precinct 1 Commissioner Peter Jones along with the Llano County Commissioners Court is welcoming Texas A&M University Forest Service’s regional firefighting coordinator Mark Wobus to the second of a series of no-cost wildfire training for area volunteer fire departments.

The training is 9 a.m.-noon April 26 at the Sunrise Beach Fire Hall.

The program’s goal is to educate volunteers on firefighting measures that will allow a safer approach to wildland fires that threaten structures, including homes, storage buildings, barns, garages, boat houses, vehicles and equipment. The Highland Lakes area has become more vulnerable to wildfires that could threaten structures because of the topography, vegetation and drought conditions.

This is compounded by many homes and structures built in areas of brush and woody areas.

Wind, vegetation and terrain are always serious challenges in wildland fires, but populated areas add many unknowns and literally “add fuel to the fire,” increasing the threat to the lives of the firefighters, citizens, pets and livestock. Controlling and extinguishing wildland fires prior to them reaching any populated areas is essential.

There is no cost for volunteer firefighters for the training. Volunteer departments wanting to participate in the program should contact Soc Gonzales of the Hill Country Prevention and Readiness Coalition at (830) 637-9959 or tx.hcprc@yahoo.com by April 24 to reserve spots.

editor@thepicayune.com