TOWNSEND, MA — April 11th — Together with mutual assistance partners, the Townsend Fire-EMS Department, located at 13 Elm Street, held wildfire awareness training in Townsend State Forest. Crews concentrated on size-up, weather-related factors that impact fire spread, and brush fire behavior. Firefighters trained utilizing hand tools, setting up water supplies in places lacking hydrants, and deploying handlines in forested regions. During the course, agency coordination and communication were also stressed.

In Massachusetts, wildland training is especially important in the spring when wind and dry fuels can raise the risk of a fire. To slow the spread of fires, departments still emphasize early reporting and prevention. The training strengthened safe operations in distant places and increased preparedness for local and regional responses.