Fresno firefighters take over Woodward Park for training

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Firefighters took over Woodward Park Wednesday but not because of an emergency.

Summer months are synonymous with wildfires. On the heels of one of the most explosive wildfire seasons California has seen fire officials said you can never be too prepared.

"We have small fields we'll deal with in the city of Fresno but often times these rigs will get called out to help in the urban interface. It's a lot different than fighting a structure fire," said Captain Chad Tucker, Fresno Fire Department.

Tucker said, over the next month more than 500 firefighters, from agencies throughout the Central Valley, will address safety concerns and train on progressive hose laying.

"Where we have an engine that's pumping hose, and they learn to clamp it while its flowing water. Clamp it-- add some more hose and continue it on for about a thousand feet, and they'll practice that trying to chase a grass fire," Tucker explained.

Firefighters said mutual aid on calls is becoming more and more common, so training with several agencies is key in planning attacks.

"We all operate different in our own departments, so when we get together like this were able to work better and do a better job," said Tucker.

Knowing how quickly dry grass can burn, firefighters urge us to do our part as well. They said more often than not-- wildfires are avoidable.

"Be conscious of your BBQ and campfires, especially around dry grass. Parking in dry grass-- people don't think about that but your exhaust on your vehicles can start fires easily," said Tucker.

Also on the list-- clearing a defensible space and keeping yard work to the early morning hours.