Firefighters from across the Big Country learned how to battle wild fires.

Forty-eight firefighters completed the 9th Annual Brownwood Wildfire Academy. The academy demonstrated basic wildland firefighting. Participants took courses and had hands on training with water shuttles and emergency vehicle operations. Lake Coleman Firefighter, Ken Thibodeaux, said the extra training makes him more confident. “The more you get out there and practice, the more you’re gonna make sound decisions,” he said.

Thibodeaux said the knowledge he learned is invaluable. “There are guys here that have been on over 25 years. Getting the chance to talk and work with them is amazing.”

Jan Amen from the Texas Forrest Service said the training couldn’t have come at a better time. “There have already been 23 firefighters die in the line of duty so far this year. We’re only in February.” Amen went on to say the extra training will help the firefighters stay safe and possibly avoid another fallen firefighter.