BLM Crews Hold Training Exercises

JEROME, Idaho (KLIX) – Fire crews with the Bureau of Land Management are back in class today after spending part of Thursday in field training north of the Perrine Bridge.

Twenty-three engine operators from Idaho and Wyoming, and firefighters from the Twin Falls Fire Department, were at the Devil’s Corral as part of an engine operators class.

“It went really well,” said Kelsey Brizendine, fire information officer with the agency’s Twin Falls district. “They have one more day of class on Friday.”

During field day firefighters participated in several different activities, including off-road driving and progressive hose lay. It allows them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on such things as engine protection, foam use, mobile attack and drafting, and tire maintenance.

The class is held every year and is mandatory for BLM engine operators, she said. Most of them have three to five years of experience and are now moving into more leadership-oriented roles.

Brizendine said operators often spend up to three years perfecting their skills under certified trainers.