HEMET, Calif. —
The Hemet Fire Department is seeking community assistance as it prepares to host 150 aspiring first responders for the 47th California Fire Exploring Association (CFEA) academy this spring.
The department issued an urgent request for 2,000 wood pallets, oriented strand board (OSB), and Gatorade donations to facilitate the week-long residential training program, which is scheduled to run from March 29 through April 4.
“The city of hemet fire department hosting the 47th CFEA explorer academy for 150 explorers from all over the state and they are looking for more wood pallets if anyone has any they are willing to donate that would be amazing!” Alena Martinez posted to the Hemet Eye News official page.
The pallets and OSB are critical components for live-fire training exercises. In fire service training, these materials are used to create conditions and scenarios that are commonly encountered, giving the fire explorers a safe and controlled environment to hone their skills.
The academy also requires large quantities of Gatorade to ensure the physiological safety of the explorers. Participants, aged 15 to 21, will undergo rigorous physical drills in full personal protective equipment, which can weigh upwards of 50 pounds.
The CFEA academy is considered one of the most comprehensive youth fire training programs in the world, covering auto extrication, wildland firefighting, and technical rescue. For many participants, the academy represents a major step toward a professional career in the fire service.
“And we are back to this adventure. We need 2000 more… hopefully delivered to save my back,” a social media post from participant sammm7777 stated, emphasizing the scale of the logistical undertaking.
Officials are asking that donations be delivered directly to help manage the labor-intensive staging process. Those interested in donating materials or supporting the program can contact the Hemet Fire Department administration at the Covell Building, 510 E. Florida Ave., or call (951) 765-2450 during normal business hours.
