For the first time in over a decade, the Maine Forest Service is bringing back its wildfire academy. Forest rangers say itโs part of an effort to boost numbers for their โCall When Neededโ group. Maine has seen a particularly active wildfire season this year. According to the Maine Forest Rangers, there have been approximately 325 wildfires statewide, burning around 315 acres. In Aroostook County alone, about 150 acres have gone up in flames. In response, the Maine Forest Service is ramping up efforts to train new firefighters through its wildfire academy.
Carson Hartman, the Public Information Officer for the Maine Forest Service said: โItโs a 130 190 outdoor exercise so itโs a basic wildland firefighter course. Weโre really trying to engage with the public. Recruiting as much as we can and just training and letting the people know that we wanna work with them and have them be involved with us. Weโre showing them equipment that we have. Things that we use on a daily basis. Tactics that weโre gonna use when weโre fighting wildland fires and just giving them exposure to equipment that we have.โ
Among those participating in Fridayโs training was Heli Tech Intern Erin Beane, who has already responded to several wildfires in Aroostook County. โWe are the initial attack on wildfires. So, we fly into remote areas in Maine by helicopter and weโll kind of attack the fire, get it under control, until more rangers and more support can come. Up by Fish River Lake we flew in we also back hauled supplies help them clean up the hose and stuff there itโs been a great experience.โ This hands-on training is designed to ensure a fast, coordinated response when wildfires break out. Beane: โItโs definitely very important to know your gear and what youโre working with. That way you can go in, thereโs no hiccups, you can just work as a team get things and get the wildfire under control as fast as possible.โ With wildfire risks on the rise, the Maine Forest Service hopes this renewed academy will not only strengthen their response teams but also inspire more Mainers to step up and serve. For now, these recruits are gaining the skills they needโone drill at a time.
