Claremont Insider: Brush Fire Drills Today and Tomorrow

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Brush Fire Drills Today and Tomorrow

If you were thinking about a morning hike in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park today or tomorrow, you'll need to adjust your plans. A sign posted at the parking lot at Mills Ave. and Mt. Baldy Rd. says the park will be closed from 4am to 1pm while fire crews hold fire and emergency response training.

The exercise began yesterday and continues through Thursday, according to the City's website:

Wildland Fire Exercise May 5-7

The Los Angeles County Fire Department in conjunction with San Bernardino County Fire, Angeles National Forest Fire, Chino Valley Fire District, La Verne Fire and Upland Fire Departments will be conducting the Claremont Wilderness Park Wildland Fire Exercise May 5, 6 and 7 at the Claremont Wilderness Park. This exercise will consist of a simulated brush fire response each morning from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon. The exercise will incorporate the City of Claremont Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Park Rangers. In addition to the simulated brush fire response, search and rescue training will be conducted. The Wilderness Park will be closed from approximately 6:00 am to 1:00 pm on May 5, 6 and 7.

This seems to be turning into a yearly event, though it comes several weeks earlier this year than last.