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National Park hosts wildland firefighter refresher

The National Park of American Samoa hosted its annual Wildland Firefighter Refresher Training on May 1 and 2 as summer fires are already breaking out in California.  John Ziegler, Kings District Fire Management Officer from Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks in California traveled to American Samoa to present the training. 

 

To become wildland firefighters, these men and women have to pass an initial course, followed by yearly refresher training and two weeks of skills training. They also must remain fit and healthy.  As part of the refresher training they must pass the pack test. This test requires that firefighters walk three miles in less than 45-minutes while wearing a 45-pound pack.

 

“We sponsor over 30 federal wildland firefighters each year that are trained and ready to fight fires during the hot summer months in the United States mainland. They work side-by-side with fire crews from across the nation to help save the resources that people need and to keep communities safe,” said Superintendent Jim Bacon.  The primary response area for the Samoan fire crew is Northern California.  The National Park of American Samoa works in partnership with the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park’s Wildland Fire Program to train and administer these firefighters.

 

Source: NPS media release

 

FRONT ROW (L-R):  Ricky Misaalefua, Tanu Iosefa, Pouono Lomiga, Talitonu Tuilagi, Tama Sagapolutele, Ramsey Malae, Tau Thompson, Tauaveave Lagai, Lafaele Suafo'a, John Ziegler, and Maloloto Faleafaga. 

BACK ROW (L-R):  Emerson Taiepisi, Pio Matagaono, Senerivi Iopu, Faatauao Feleti, Pago Pago Taumua, Tualagi Gaoteote, Anthony Wyberski, Ikenasio Sagaga, Salamanesa Eliu, Josh Puni, Puipui Faiva, Misatama West, Venisala Sopoaga, Misiuaita Leama, Kitiona Osotonu, Peato Tuisea, Iosefa Iosefa, Fo'imai To, Alesana Malae, Yuseff Carter, Peti Sulua, and Tominiko Fialua.