Our nine trainees hoping to join our Forest Fire Prevention and Logistical Support Brigade came up close and personal with fire engines and forest firefighting tools for the first time in the base of the Volunteer Firefighters of Junín de los Andes last Saturday. The nine young people from the Mapuche Cayún, Curruhuinca and Vera communities were received by Commander General Marcelo Zárate, Head of the Active Force. During the tour of the facilities, Commander Zárate introduced our trainees to the 60 staff who work in the Base and explained how the Volunteer Firefighters operate in Junín de los Andes, which celebrated it 50th anniversary in September.
Afterwards Jorge Curiñanco, a font of knowledge on forest fires in the area, gave an introductory talk on the rural and forest fire engines available in the base and the advantages and disadvantages of each, and also talked through the equipment each carries. “We are grateful for the opportunity to share our experience with the team you are forming today in the Brigade,” he said.