Wildland Fire Provides Training to Structural Fire Departments and US Fish and Wildlife Service at Lake Meredith

Students and instructors from Amarillo City Fire Department, Randall County Fire Department, Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area.

2011 was a busy year for Amarillo City Fire Department (FD) and Randall County FD, as several large fires affected the suburbs of Amarillo, TX. Seventy homes were destroyed and 26,000 acres burned. Since these events the structural fire departments have sought out wildland fire training, and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (NRA) has provided many hours of training for firefighters in the local communities.

In June 2013, two classes were taught to firefighters from Amarillo City FD, Randall County FD, and Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge. These two courses, in conjunction with prior training from the National Park Service, increased the wildland fire knowledge of responding firefighters.

Lake Meredith NRA is recognized as the best-trained and experienced wildland fire crew in the Texas Panhandle. The local fire departments are grateful for the training and opportunities the park provides to them to increase their wildland firefighting skills. The local communities will be better protected by these trained firefighters.

Contact: Bruce Fields, fire management officer, Lake Meredith NRA
E-mail: e-mail us
Phone: [phone]