16 Corpsmembers from the Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps recently completed an intensive two-week fuels management training program, designed to equip them with essential skills for wildfire prevention and response. The program included leadership development, communication training, and an introduction to basic and wildland fire behavior, giving corpsmembers the knowledge needed to perform various roles in the event of a wildfire.
“The training we provided will help corpsmembers effectively manage high-risk areas, create fuel breaks, and reduce fuels prone to extreme fire behavior,” said Woody Bouska, an instructor from the Fire Training Academy. “The skills they’ve learned can open doors to entry-level jobs in agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, CalFire, and many others.”
Over a dozen corpsmembers participated in the training, which proved to be both physically and mentally challenging. Priscilla Reyes, one of the LCC corpsmembers and a mother of six, reflected on the experience. “I’ve never done this kind of outdoor work before. The physical part wasn’t too difficult, but the first week mentally challenged me. I didn’t think I’d make it, but I pushed through.”
Jacob Echevarria, another corpsmember, echoed Reyes’ about the mental challenge. “I initially joined for the experience, but by the end, I realized I really enjoy this work. Now, I’m planning to pursue a career in fuels maintenance.”
With fire season bringing hundreds of job opportunities across California, these corpsmembers are now equipped with valuable experience and are eligible to pursue positions in wildfire mitigation and public land management.
Fresno EOC LCC thanks CalFire and the California Local Conservation Corps Foundation (CLCCF) for the grant that made this training possible. Special thanks also go to Congressman Jim Costa for securing funding to purchase the heavy-duty equipment used to train corpsmembers for future careers on public lands.
