Cal Fire to conduct live fire training at Camp Roberts
– The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection San Luis Obispo Unit, along with the Fresno/Kings and Tulare units, will conduct prescribed fire training exercises from Wednesday, May 21, to Friday, May 23, at multiple locations on Camp Roberts, north of Paso Robles.
Approximately 45 firefighters will participate in the training, which will include broadcast burning of about 500 acres of grass and oak woodland over the three-day period.
The course will instruct firefighters from across the state on proper techniques for using fire as a tool for range improvement, vegetation management and wildfire control. Training will cover ignition tools, equipment, techniques, and strategies, as well as the effects of fuels, weather and topography on fire behavior.
Prescribed burns will also support fire prevention goals consistent with fire plans of the participating agencies. Burning will be postponed if conditions are not appropriate for safe burning and good smoke dispersal.
The live fire training is being conducted in cooperation with the Camp Roberts Fire Department and the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District.
Smoke will be visible from Highway 101 during the training. Drivers in the area are advised to use caution.
