San Andreas, CA…The CAL FIRE Academy (Ione), in coordination with the Tuolumne- Calaveras Unit (TCU), is conducting Heavy Fire Equipment Operator (HFEO) Training west of Angels Camp, along the east side of Fowler Peak Lookout. The training started April 20, 2015, and will run through June 26, 2015.

CAL FIRE hired 30 new HFEOs statewide this year. “Being able to apply classroom instruction to “on location” field exercises is an integral part of CAL FIRE training and I am pleased TCU can provide a location for these new operators to practice and master their skills”, says Unit Chief, Josh White. Training will include daytime and nighttime heavy equipment operations such as fire line construction and post fire rehabilitation.

Prior to this “on location” training, the new operators had to complete the 179 Hour Basic Fire Fighter training, a five week Fire Fighter Academy and a six week Company Officer Academy. Upon completion of this portion of training, the operators will be qualified to respond to emergency incidents. Operators will complete an additional 6,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom training over the next three years and will annually participate in 40 hours of recertification training.

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