Multiple fire agencies from across Southern Oregon are participating in a wildland training exercise through Thursday in Merlin.
Grants Pass Fire & Rescue and Rural Metro Fire Department are sponsoring the event, which is taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and tomorrow in the Acorn Street area and at the end of Ort Lane. The training event started Tuesday.
Grants Pass Battalion Chief Brandon Rigaud said this training is crucial for preparing firefighters to respond effectively to real wildland fire emergencies.
During the exercise, participants are practicing critical skills like construction of fire-line, hose deployment, "live" fire evolutions and communication.
Rigaud said residents in the vicinity may see a small amount of smoke due to the "live" fire training exercises. He said fire engines and firefighters will be on scene throughout the training to ensure safety and control the fire.
