Rep. Walden holds local meeting on fire preparedness and COVID-19

Rep. Walden holds local meeting on fire preparedness and COVID-19

We'll see some extra clouds increase on threst servi.

Fire season started in our region back in may.

Newswatch 12's leah thompson was at the meeting this afternoon and breaks down what was discussed.

Leah says " this fire preparedness meeting talked a lot about putting out fires.

The other thing they talked about is something firefighters can't see and that's covid-19."

Walden obviously fighting fires tough enough, throw covid-19 on top of it and you've got an additional unprecedented challenge.

Today a room full of fire experts sat down with representative greg walden to talk about this year's fire season walden i think it's really positive news they're initial plan is to do a very aggressive initial attack and get these fires out quickly.

I think that will benefit us all.

O-d-f, u.s forest service amd b-l-m made it clear that this season fires need to be put out as soon as possible.

While also making sure it's done safely.

Walden from a health stand point, from a reduction in smoke stand point, and certainly from a cost stand point.

The other big topic is how firefighting is possible during a pandemic.

These firefighters need to wear a mask, and maintain social distancing.

Huge fire camps are also not going to be used this year.

Different firefighter groups will be spaced out.

Walden i think the biggest concern i have coming out of the meeting is the issue of testing.

These fire departments are still figuring out how testing will work if someone gets infected or if there is a spread at a fire.

Walden make sure our firefighters health is maintained is essential.

It was clear that there is still