I would like the community to know about an opportunity the Durango Fire Protection District has undertaken. Under the leadership of Fire Marshal Karola Hanks, five members of the Durango Fire Protection District participated in a weeklong wildfire investigation training, which potentially can lead to a wildfire investigation certification for those five firefighters upon passing a written and field exam.
The training course, which included classroom instruction, along with in-field, hands-on training, was taught by retired U.S. Forest Service Agent and fire investigator Brenda Rice. Rice is known nationally and internationally for her expertise in wildfire investigation. Her services continue to be solicited by Fire Departments in this country and around the world, where she does in-person, hands-on training as well as web-based seminar instruction due to COVID-19.
What is remarkable about the Durango training, among many other things, is that Rice did this training pro bono. An equivalent caliber training for five fighters normally would have cost thousands of dollars. In addition, this training was facilitated by the generous and gracious offer from Mama Llama Ranch residents making their fields available for the training.
Thank you, Fire Marshal Hanks, Brenda Rice and Mama Llama Ranch residents for collaborating to bring a wonderful opportunity to our community!
Kathy Koehler
