In preparation for the heat and dry conditions of summer, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Rural Metro Fire Department and Oregon Department of Forestry are hosting a training exercise combating a fast-moving simulated wildfire in the northwest area of Grants Pass. The scheduled dates for the training are the mornings of July 6, 8 and 10th. The location will be in the NW area, Forest Hills neighborhood. On the above dates, between the hours of 9AM and 11AM, the public is asked to drive with caution as multiple fire apparatus will be moving through these areas.

Participants will include units from Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Rural Metro FD, Rogue River Fire District, Illinois Valley Fire District, Applegate Fire District, Williams Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry. These agencies combine resources to make up a Task Force to reinforce the efforts of the first responding fire departments in the event of a large wildfire. The Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs’ Association has established several of these Task Forces in both Josephine and Jackson Counties. As part of the training scenario, fire units will respond to a simulated fast-moving wildfire in the urban interface. No Live Fire will be present.  The objectives of this training exercise are to test and improve the participating agencies notification, response, coordination and communication systems used during a complex incident in addition to expanding participant’s knowledge and use of the Incident Command System.

On Monday, July 6th, the news media is invited to the News Media Staging location located on NW Caddis Pl.  Please arrive at 8:45 am if possible, for the incident briefing. Current COVID guidelines will be followed.  After the briefing, this location will provide a great spot for initial activity.