A Stokes basket is lowered from the second floor of a training project during the 2019 IRECA conference and challenge. - Photo by Anton Riecher

A Stokes basket is lowered from the second floor of a training project during the 2019 IRECA conference and challenge.

Photo by Anton Riecher

Despite the decision by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service to cancel at least one major fire training event this summer, the 72nd annual International Rescue and Emergency Care Association Conference and Challenge is still scheduled for June.

“After consultation with Texas A&M University and the Engineering Extension Service, the 2020 IRECA Conference and Challenges will proceed as planned until further notice,” the IRECA website states.

TEEX announced Friday that the 54th annual Spanish Fire School, scheduled for July 5 through 10 at Brayton Fire Training Field in College Station, Texas, has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, plans are ongoing to hold the annual industrial and municipal schools in July as scheduled.

The IRECA conference makes use of the 52-acre training facility known as Disaster City that includes various life-size simulations of high angle and confined space rescues possible in an industrial setting. Last year marked the first time that TEEX had served as the location for the annual IRECA event.

“We are monitoring all available data, as made available by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and will abide by any federal or local directives made regarding mass gatherings,” the IRECA website states.

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