The summer fire season of 2007 marked the beginning of a new and exciting program. It is result of a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Columbia Basin Job Corps Center. The Blue Goose crew was formed and available for fire assignments around the country and traveled to wildfires in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to assist in the national suppression effort that took place this year. The fire crew saw plenty of action on several fires in rough country after completing initial spring training. The crew worked long hours cutting ‘hot line’ on active fires, conducted burn-out operations, and learned how to ‘mop-up’. Some of the crew even got to fly in helicopters. All in all it was a great first year and the students not only got to learn how to fight fire but found an opportunity to work together to create a superb fire crew. In addition to the physical training, knowledge and experience, students received firefighting pay which is being held for them until they complete the Job Corps program. Program manager, Jason Riggins, is evaluating the first year activities and looking forward to the second year of the program.
Jason Riggins
Blue Goose Superintendent
Columbia Basin Job Corps
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