SAIPAN — Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services firefighter Robert Mojica said DFEMS recently worked with partner agencies to safely detonate unexploded ordnance (UXO) collected from around Saipan and staged at a designated site in Marpi, while also using the operation to dispose of expired flares.
Speaking on Good Morning Marianas, Mojica said DFEMS maintains a designated area where UXO is taken and prepared for disposal, with a dig site used for detonation operations. He said DFEMS’ HAZMAT team supported the effort and DPW assisted to ensure the area was clear of civilians, including blocking the road before the countdown and detonation. Mojica said the recent blast looked different because expired flares were added to the UXO detonation, producing visible flare activity after the explosion. He also described the department’s UXO handling as a trained process, including identification and transport precautions.
Mojica also used the appearance to spotlight DFEMS’ wildland firefighting pathway, encouraging residents to take part in a pre-pack test on January 10th on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. He described the event as a three-mile effort with a 45-pound pack at or under 45 minutes, designed to prepare applicants for wildland firefighter training associated with the “Hot Shot” pipeline.
He said Saipan participants would start near the usual staging area by a gym and head toward Hardt Eye Clinic before turning back, and that organizers plan to offer time windows including 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Saipan, with similar scheduling on Rota and Tinian.
Mojica said the pre-pack test requires a steady pace, no running, and advised interested participants to begin training now by walking and gradually increasing ruck weight up to 45 pounds.
He said basic requirements include being 18 or older, having a working phone number and email, and having a valid passport (or proof of application) and a high school diploma or GED.
Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY_O_kqXlPU
