Photos: 106th Rescue Personnel Train For Wildfires

In response to two for 22 hours in April, bringing out firefighters from across Long Island, personnel from the at received special training to respond to future incidents.

The rescue wing personnel trained for five days last week, obtaining training in incident management, wildfire fighting techniques, suppression equipment, safety, wildland firefighting strategy and tactics and wildfire behavior including contributing such as fuels, weather and terrain.

The training, which was put together by the New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Forest Rangers and the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission and its Wildfire Task Force, culminated with a field training at Gabreski on Friday morning.

“This training opportunity demonstrates the progressive nature of the 106th in adapting to changing national and local needs, especially in regard to wildfire management capabilities. Once trained, our personnel will be better able to respond to future wildfires both across the United States as well as here on Long Island, especially in the aftermath of Suffolk County’s Spring 2012 wildfires,” said Major Joe Scaglione, 106th Wing Executive Officer.

In addition to learning to respond to wildfires, the 106th is also learning to coordinate , which officials says are key to diminishing the threat of future wildfires. 

“After they have received their training through the Academy, 106th Rescue Wing personnel will be able to participate in and support the proscribed fire program conducted annually by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Forest Rangers, who are leaders in that field here on Long Island.”