San Andreas, CA…The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is conducting live fire training on the Whittle Vegetation Management Program (VMP) site, west of Angels Camp, along the east side of Fowler Peak Lookout. This training is designed to instruct and certify CAL FIRE employees in the proper use of a helitorch. A helitorch is a device, suspended underneath the helicopter, which dispenses ignited gelled fuel. Use of the helitorch on large fires, effectively removes fuel from areas surrounding a fire, to help control and prevent its spread.

Dozer piles, constructed during CAL FIRE Academy Heavy Fire Equipment Operator training classes, will be lit by the helitorch, in a controlled environment, under the direction of trained and experienced personnel. Ground resources will be on site to monitor the piles and ensure proper clearance.

The live training will commence at 10 a.m., Tuesday March 28th and will conclude on Friday March 31st. Live burns will be conducted from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. Resources utilized to conduct the training will consist of three fire engines, three fire crews, two bulldozers, and a helicopter.

CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit is now on social media; please follow us on Twitter: @CALFIRETCU.

www.fire.ca.gov

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