CASPER WYOMING — The Wyoming State Forestry Division and the Bureau of Land Management’s High Plains District fire crews worked together to simulate an interagency wildland fire scenario on June 12.  While simulated wildland fire training is not new for the BLM or the WSFD, this year’s training added the complexity of a simulated medical emergency and an air evacuation of the patient.  This was made possible by the WSFD contributing the use of a helicopter and crew.

The WSFD and BLM sent engines, crews and a helicopter to Muddy Mountain near Casper to fight imaginary flames with the aim of improving cooperation, preparedness and safety.  This exercise gave firefighters from both agencies an opportunity to train and practice firefighting skills such as saw line and construction, simple and progressive hose lays, helicopter water dropping and medical evacuations.

At the completion of the exercise, fire crews were pleased with their performance; however, they also analyzed the operation in the hopes of finding ways to improve in actual wildland fire and medical emergency situations.