Hundreds Of Firefighters To Participate In Training Exercise Ahead Of Fire Season In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — Fire and law enforcement agencies across San Diego County will conduct a three-day wildland preparedness exercise ahead of the upcoming wildfire season, officials announced Wednesday.

About 750 firefighters will participate in the San Diego County Multi-Agency Wildland Preparedness Exercise May 6-8 on the Barona Indian Reservation, according to Heartland Fire & Rescue.

The training will include emergency communications, firefighter survival, structure defense and hose deployments under simulated emergency conditions. Officials said the training is designed to strengthen regional coordination as Southern California enters the hot, dry summer months.

The event is coordinated by San Diego County fire chiefs in partnership with the Barona Fire Department and the Barona Band of Mission Indians.

San Diego Gas & Electric has provided funding for the event for 16 consecutive years. The utility company will again provide training to educate first responders on how to handle downed power lines during wildfires.

Officials warned residents to expect traffic delays during the exercise, particularly along Wildcat Canyon Road, as fire engines and law enforcement personnel travel to the different drill sites.