Klickitat Handcrew ‘Critical 80’ training
Led by Squad Boss Natalie Schroder, the Klickitat Handcrew works on their bread and butter — digging fireline — during the afternoon training session on May 8. They had to rotate through five stations designed to simulate critical skills and scenarios on the job. Completing 99 feet in 20 minutes was the goal at this one, and each tool serves a slightly different purpose, like cutting through roots, scraping and grubbing. Visible are Scout Dale, Alex Barzee and Sean Albro, in that order.
- Nathan Wilson photo
At another station, Sean Albro pretends to have injured his foot, and the squad worked through how to manage an incident where someone needs medical attention. Carrying Albro are Natalie Schroder and Ryan Towell on the left, assisted by Alex Barzee and Scout Dale on the right.
- Nathan Wilson photo
Should they ever be trapped by wildfire, Sean Albro, Ryan Towell and Natalie Schroder practice how to deploy an emergency shelter, shedding everything apart from their water and radios. To prevent oxygen from escaping and noxious gas from entering, it’s critical that firefighters have a tight seal between their shelter and the ground.
- Nathan Wilson photo
The squad deploys from their crew truck before digging fireline. Scout Dale grabs the tools while Ryan Towell and Alex Barzee shuttle packs out to Sean Albro and Natalie Schroder. At other stations, the squad went over positions for mobile attack with a brush truck and, when working in a heavily wooded landscape that restricts movement, progressive hose lays.
- Nathan Wilson photo
Austin Russell, helicopter manager with Washington Department of Natural Resources Helitack, talks with the Klickitat Handcrew and engine personnel for aviation training at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport in Dallesport on May 14.
- Helen H. Richardson photo / special to Columbia Gorge News
Members of the Klickitat Handcrew watch as a helicopter drops water during a training exercise on private land east of John Day Dam along the Columbia River on May 14. They were learning how to communicate with aviation crews and coordinate precise water drops, simulating wildfire response.
- Helen H. Richardson photo
Led by Squad Boss Natalie Schroder, the Klickitat Handcrew works on their bread and butter — digging fireline — during the afternoon training session on May 8. They had to rotate through five stations designed to simulate critical skills and scenarios on the job. Completing 99 feet in 20 minutes was the goal at this one, and each tool serves a slightly different purpose, like cutting through roots, scraping and grubbing. Visible are Scout Dale, Alex Barzee and Sean Albro, in that order.
- Nathan Wilson photo
At another station, Sean Albro pretends to have injured his foot, and the squad worked through how to manage an incident where someone needs medical attention. Carrying Albro are Natalie Schroder and Ryan Towell on the left, assisted by Alex Barzee and Scout Dale on the right.
- Nathan Wilson photo
Should they ever be trapped by wildfire, Sean Albro, Ryan Towell and Natalie Schroder practice how to deploy an emergency shelter, shedding everything apart from their water and radios. To prevent oxygen from escaping and noxious gas from entering, it’s critical that firefighters have a tight seal between their shelter and the ground.
- Nathan Wilson photo
The squad deploys from their crew truck before digging fireline. Scout Dale grabs the tools while Ryan Towell and Alex Barzee shuttle packs out to Sean Albro and Natalie Schroder. At other stations, the squad went over positions for mobile attack with a brush truck and, when working in a heavily wooded landscape that restricts movement, progressive hose lays.
- Nathan Wilson photo
Austin Russell, helicopter manager with Washington Department of Natural Resources Helitack, talks with the Klickitat Handcrew and engine personnel for aviation training at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport in Dallesport on May 14.
- Helen H. Richardson photo / special to Columbia Gorge News
Members of the Klickitat Handcrew watch as a helicopter drops water during a training exercise on private land east of John Day Dam along the Columbia River on May 14. They were learning how to communicate with aviation crews and coordinate precise water drops, simulating wildfire response.
- Helen H. Richardson photo
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