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Coronavirus Challenging For Crews Fighting Arizona Wildfires

CDC

This year’s wildfire season has been an extra challenging one for firefighters with massive fires around Arizona, as well as changes in their routine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pre-pandemic firefighters had their own way of life including in-person morning briefings, respectful handshakes and community meals. According to the Arizona Republic, now every meal is pre-packaged and firefighters have to eat 6 to 10 feet apart, crew members wave at each other instead of shaking hands and they attend virtual briefs on their smartphones or radios. One 33-year firefighting veteran described it as a radically different environment.

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