At the simplest point, the job of the fire department is primarily suppression. Yes, collectively, we provide a multitude of services, but suppression is the foundation of most departments’ mission.

The fire service is, let’s say, on fire with education, resources and training. There never has been such a wealth of learning opportunities for everyone to gain more knowledge and understanding.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will welcome 40 students Monday to its brand new firefighter training facility in Merced County as part of a multiyear push to bolster its ...