Academy in Fort Pierre Trains More Than 200 Firefighters

FORT PIERRE - More than 200 firefighters learned techniques for battling wildfires during a four-day training academy in Fort Pierre.

KCCR radio reports that the state Wildland Fire Suppression Division put on the academy that ended Sunday. Training officer Rob Lehmann says 18 courses covered various topics. Live fire exercises were scheduled Sunday but had to be canceled because of cold and snow.

It was the first year for the Wildland Fire Academy. Several state and federal agencies took part.

Officials say there could be more wildfires this spring and summer because of continuing drought in South Dakota.

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