October 2009 Wildland Fire Training held

Over the past month, the Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department hosted a 40 hour wildland fire training program conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation(DCR) Bureau of Forest fire Control. The course was taught by Bureau Chief David Celino who also is the Fire Chief of Colrain and other DCR instructors. Over 40 firefighters from throughout Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties attended the course which included mostly classroom sessions, but also a final all day live training drill that took place on the grounds of the Ashfield Rod and Gun Club in Plainfield. The Wildland program included federal S-130 firefighter training and S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire behavior training courses that involved two written tests and the hand's on training the last day of the course. Those successfully completing the course can next pass a physical test and receive the "Red card" certification that entitles them to join the Massachusetts Wildland Fire team that is on call to fight fires throughout North America if mobilized.