Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

30th Civil Engineer Squadron members gather to begin fire initiation and suppression training during the annual Watt Training Burns at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 27, 2025. The annual Watt Training Burns at Vandenberg offer wildland fire training for newly assigned firefighters and dozer operators in a controlled environment. These scheduled exercises help Vandenberg remain safe by offering hands-on experience for new and experienced fire personnel. (U.S. Space Force photo by Malcolm Summers III)

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Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

30th Civil Engineer Squadron members initiate burns during the annual Watt Training Burns training exercise held at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 27, 2025. Vandenberg’s prescribed burns utilize several fire-fighting tactics to help deter wildland fires, helping keep military personnel and their families safe, while protecting military assets across the installation. (U.S. Space Force photo by Malcolm Summers III)

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Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

30th Civil Engineer Squadron members observe and suppress fires during the annual Watt Training Burns held at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 27, 2025. This wildland fire training and preparation exercise, executed throughout June, offers opportunities to newly assigned firefighters and dozer operators, as well as incident officers preparing for managing wildfire mitigation operations. (U.S. Space Force photo by Malcolm Summers III)

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Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

Christopher Loung, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron fire captain, monitors a prescribed burn during a wildland prescribed burn training exercise at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 27, 2025. The Watt Training Burns provided experience for novice and seasoned firefighters alike, enabling practice on essential wildland firefighting techniques while preparing them for real-world wildfire suppression on and off the installation. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

A 30th Civil Engineer Squadron member initiates a prescribed burn during a prescribed burn training exercise at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 27, 2025. The 30 CES hosts department-wide wildland fire training and preparation, culminating in live fire operations during the Watt Training Burns at Vandenberg. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

30th Civil Engineer Squadron members monitor a prescribed burn during a prescribed burn training exercise at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 27, 2025. Vandenberg’s wildland firefighting teams gained invaluable experience battling live fire scenarios during this two-week exercise at the Watt Training area on Vandenberg. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

30th Civil Engineer Squadron members ignite the Watt Training area during a prescribed burn training exercise at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 27, 2025. During the burns, 30th CES firefighters honed their skills using a variety of suppression tactics, including constructing handlines to create firebreaks, engaging in mobile attack to suppress flames directly from moving vehicles, and establishing hoselays for continuous water supply. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

Christopher Loung, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron fire captain, left, and Zachary Hernandez, 30th CES firefighter, right, monitors a wildland fire during a prescribed burn training exercise at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 27, 2025. Throughout the burns, firefighters improve their skills by using suppression tactics including conducting firing operations to strategically remove fuels, and utilizing bulldozers to carve out wide fire breaks. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

Zachary Hernandez, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, treks across an assigned burn area with a drip torch during the annual Watt Training Burns held at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 27, 2025. Vandenberg’s 30 CES Fire Department executed burns near Watt Road and 13th Street at North Vandenberg, covering a total of 30 acres over the course of 12 days. The intensive two-week exercise gives Vandenberg’s wildland firefighting teams valuable experience fighting live fire scenarios. (U.S. Space Force photo by Malcolm Summers III)

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Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

Published July 2, 2025
By Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi and Malcolm Summers III

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. --

Vandenberg’s 30 CES Fire Department executed burns near Watt Road and 13th Street at North Vandenberg, covering a total of 30 acres over the course of 12 days. The intensive two-week exercise gives Vandenberg’s wildland firefighting teams valuable experience fighting live fire scenarios.