Hundreds of firefighters will take part in a three-day wildland preparedness exercise in San Diego County next week as the region gets ready for wildfire season, according to Patch.

About 750 firefighters are expected to participate in the San Diego County Multi-Agency Wildland Preparedness Exercise from May 6-8 on the Barona Indian Reservation. The training will include emergency communications, firefighter survival, structure defense and hose deployments under simulated emergency conditions.

Patch reported that the exercise is coordinated by San Diego County fire chiefs in partnership with the Barona Fire Department and the Barona Band of Mission Indians. San Diego Gas & Electric is also supporting the event and will provide training on how first responders should handle downed power lines during wildfires.

Officials warned residents to expect traffic delays during the exercise, especially along Wildcat Canyon Road, as fire engines and law enforcement personnel travel between drill sites.

For Santee and East County residents, the exercise is a reminder that wildfire preparation is regional. Crews often rely on multi-agency coordination when fires threaten inland communities, open-space corridors and evacuation routes across the county.