With a deadly summer of wildfires under way, Fort Carson soldiers are preparing for the day they may be needed in the fight.

This week, more than 1,000 soldiers trained with the National Interagency Fire Center in preparation for possible support if the fire season worsens.

Currently, NIFC lists fire preparedness at Level 4. If a major event forces that rating to Level 5, NIFC will request support from the Department of Defense and the closest unit to the fire will be activated for 30 days at a time.

Soldiers received classroom training Monday that focused on terrain, weather, tools and safety. Tuesday, they were in the field putting what they had learned to the test, from basic fire training to building practice shelters.

First Sgt. Michael Conaty has served in the Army for 21 years, but this was his first experience with the NIFC. Conaty sees plenty of similarities between fighting a fire and fighting insurgents.

“We have a different enemy to train for, but the objective is the same,” he said. “Teamwork is key because you can’t fight a fire or the Taliban on your own.”

As a member of a hotshot crew, Brian Anderson has made a career out of fighting fires. The instructor from Santa Clara, Calif., was more than happy to impart his knowledge on the soldiers.

“The military and the U.S. Forest Service have always stolen training from one another,” he said. “These guys are used to all the same elements. They know hard work, dedication and humility, so why not bring them in?”

The Waldo Canyon fire has captured the attention of the Pikes Peak region during the past dozen days, but the training exercises on post weren’t a direct result of the blaze.

“The training is due to the amount of wildland activity in the western U.S.,” said Maj. Earl Brown with the 4th Infantry Division public affairs office. “But because this is in our own backyard, we wanted to be ready.”