The Brazos Valley knows all too well how disastrous wildfires can be to families and property. With the recent wildfires in mind and the potential for more on the horizon, students with the Texas A&M Health Science Center are teaming up with local first responders to be prepared.

The wildfires that killed two people and caused the evacuations of thousands near Bastrop, TX were the reason behind a disaster drill in Bryan Thursday. The drill took place at the Central Baptist Church where a temporary triage center was set up to care for the victims of a make-believe wildfire in Huntsville. If a real disaster like this occurred and there were mass evacuations, Central Baptist Church is one of the possible locations where victims would be taken.

During Thursday's exercise, Texas A&M Health Science Center Medical Students had to treat patients who suffered from conditions like burns and smoke inhalation, but they also had to deal with accident victims and work with those suffering from chronic ailments.

"We're developing our diagnostic skills, how we handle trauma, how we assess and plan these situations,” said Cory Henson, a 3rd year medical student.

The exercise also teaches students how to work on a team instead of as an individual.

"Medicine isn't just the doctor or the nurse. It's a whole team effort. Just the fact by putting this together I think shows that,” said Henson.

The event was organized by by faculty and students with the College of Nursing and College of Pharmacy. Representatives with American Red Cross, Bryan Fire Department, College Station Fire Department and Texas Engineering Extension Service also participated in Thursday’s drill.