CAL FIRE trains seasonal firefighting force in Napa to gear up for 2024 wildfire season [Video]

NAPA, Calif. (KGO) — In the North Bay, CAL FIRE is already gearing up for the 2024 fire season.

Firefighter training is happening at CAL FIRE.

“We just did a progressive hose lay. We mocked a fire on the right side,” said firefighter Brenden O’Connor

O’Connor is here for all the good, bad and exhausting moments.

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“This is not easy work, but it’s very rewarding work,” O’Connor said.

He’s one of 30 seasonal firefighters taking part in a training academy in Napa hosted by CAL FIRE’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit. A total of 250 new and returning firefighters are getting hired for the summer.

“It was good, still early in the year. Got lots to improve on, doing good so far,” said Firefighter Brett Nielsen.

“We go over basic skills, EMS, wildland training, structural firefighting, hazmat response,” said CAL FIRE Battalion Chief David Levin.

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