Training despite the smoke

Photo By Spc. Maria Reynolds | A Soldier watches the fire that has burned in the hills since June 8. The fire started in Los Padres National Forest, north of Fort Hunter Liggett, and spread into the north end of post. It is not expected to interupt training during Pacific Warrior Exercise 2008.  

UNITED STATES

06.13.2008

Story by Spc. Maria Reynolds 

300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Maria N. Reynolds
300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – A fi re in the hills north of here is not expected to impact Pacific Warrior 2008 missions, the joint task force commander said Wednesday.

More than 4,200 acres have burned due to a fire that began on Monday in Los Padres National Park, which is adjacent to the base. The fire spread to Fort Hunter Liggett's wooded areas Wednesday on the north end of post.

"I don't really think the fire will affect the training," said Col. Lorenzo J. Valenzuela, the Joint Task Force Commander of Pacific Warrior 2008 and the commander of the 647th Regional Support Group from El Paso, Texas.

"The fire is north of the training sites and it would have to go through the post to reach them.

I'm sure that it will be taken care of before it reaches that far. We have people that are highlytrained handling it."

Private firefighters, as well as local and state fire departments, are working to secure the area. A small camp was set up inside post for them and their support teams to accommodate them during the duration of the firefight. This area has been secured to maintain the safety of soldiers.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

• Date Taken: 06.13.2008
• Date Posted: 06.13.2008 13:09
• Story ID: 20443
• Location: US