Bay Area firefighters train with controlled burn while also reducing wildfire risk

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) -- Firefighters in Marin County were intentionally setting fire to dry grass and brush on Saturday as part of a controlled burn operation aimed at reducing wildfire risk and preparing crews for the months ahead.

The training exercise took place on a hillside in San Rafael, where flames moved steadily across acres of dry vegetation under carefully monitored conditions.

Fire officials say the prescribed burn serves a dual purpose: removing fuels that could help feed future wildfires and giving firefighters valuable hands-on experience working around live fire.

"We always stress the importance of anytime the fire is on the ground, it doesn't realize it's training versus an actual burn that's threatening homes or hillsides," said Capt. Steven Mackall of the Marin County Fire Department.

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More than 25 firefighters participated in the exercise, many from volunteer fire departments throughout the North Bay. For some, it was their first opportunity to work in close proximity to an active fire.

"This is the first time they're actually experiencing some of the complexities of what live fire feels like, and we want them to do it here in a controlled environment before we have to let them experience that in a real-life scenario," said Chief Jesse Peri of the Stinson Beach Fire Protection District.

The training comes as fire agencies across Northern California closely watch weather conditions expected to increase wildfire risk this weekend. According to the National Weather Service, a high-pressure system moving into the region Sunday and Monday could bring hotter temperatures, lower humidity levels and the possibility of dry lightning -- a combination that can rapidly increase fire activity.

"Fire weather drives fire behavior," said Marin County Fire Battalion Chief Keith Wallace. "The combination of low humidity and higher winds, receptive fuels -- when those things are in alignment, you have potential for fire growth."

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The heightened concern follows a small vegetation fire Saturday night on Seminary Drive in Mill Valley. Crews with the Southern Marin Fire District quickly contained the blaze before it could spread to nearby homes.

Fire officials say the controlled burn training provides critical experience as wildfire season intensifies.

"I think as summer progresses, it's on everyone's mind," Wallace said.

Authorities are urging residents to remain alert and prepared as hotter, drier conditions increase wildfire danger across the Bay Area.