Firefighters Train To Tackle Wildfires

Firefighters in the valley will receive training today in Palm Desert on how to contain wildfires.

Fire season is around the corner and wildfires are a priority.

They have also over the past two weeks responded to several equipment-caused grass fires; including the “Pedley” fire in Glen Avon that burned over 800 acres and prompted precautionary evacuation of a 126-unit mobile home park.

Numerous structures were also threatened during the “McKinley” fire in the Home Gardens area, which burned over 1,000 acres.

Both of these fires and several other smaller wildland fires in recent weeks were caused by mowing equipment.

The result of last winter’s rainfall and this season’s warmer spring temperatures have produced tall grasses and

Vegetation that will continue to dry out as summer nears; ultimately becoming a fire hazard.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department urges residents to use the proper equipment the right way at the right time when clearing grass and vegetation.

Lawnmowers, weed-eaters, trimmers, chainsaws, grinders, welders and tractors, when not used properly or too late in the day, adds significant risk to starting an equipment-caused fire.