BOISE, Idaho – They are two disasters that require opposite responses: To save lives and reduce the spread of COVID-19, people are being told to remain isolated.
But in a wildfire, thousands of firefighters must work in close quarters for weeks at a time. Wildfires have already broken out in Texas and Florida, and agencies are scrambling to finish plans for a new approach.
They are considering waivers for some training requirements to previously-certified crew members, and moving some training online.
Other proposals include limiting fire engines to a driver and one passenger, requiring other crew members to ride in additional vehicles.