BBBTV12 Serving Anderson, Roane, and Morgan Counties
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Firefighters in Oak Ridge are sharpening their skills to better protect homes in areas where neighborhoods meet wooded terrain.
The Oak Ridge Fire Department recently completed specialized training focused on responding to fires in the Wildland Urban Interface, or WUI — areas where natural vegetation and residential structures overlap.
These types of fires present unique challenges. Unlike structure fires, WUI fires can spread rapidly across large areas, often requiring different strategies and equipment.
During the training, crews practiced using truck-mounted master streams and deploying lightweight wildland hoses designed for rough terrain. These hoses are built to “weep” water through their outer layer, helping keep them cool and allowing firefighters to move quickly while suppressing flames.
Fire officials say this kind of preparation is critical as more communities expand into wooded areas.
Homeowners can also take steps to protect their property. Information on wildfire preparedness is available here:
https://www.tn.gov/tnwildlandfire/prevention/tennessee-firewise-usa.html
