NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit is starting Class #2-20 Firefighter I rehire training this week for seasonal firefighters.

This year, firefighter training plans have been altered due to precautions taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Implementing social distancing requirements for training 81 firefighters have forced Cal Fire to make changes to how it implements the rehire training.

Traditionally, Cal Fire conducts a large group training academy in one location, but this year, the firefighters are training at their assigned fire station with the aid of online classes and training materials.

They will be trained and tested by their captains to maintain social distancing requirements.

As an all-risk fire department, Cal Fire said it holds its training to the highest standards.

This week the firefighters will be undergoing various knowledge tests, as well as manipulative skills practice and testing to keep them ready for this year’s season.

Some of the topics they will be covering this week will be radio use, structure firefighting, wildland-urban interface structure defense, and basic pumping and hydraulics.

“Please join us in welcoming our seasonal firefighters to the 2020 fire season and to the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit,” Cal Fire said in a Wednesday statement.