A series of wildland fires west of Davis last week marked the launch of a countywide training partnership that officials say will improve fire service and safety across Yolo County, even during an era of shrinking budgets.

The Davis, UC Davis, Woodland and West Sacramento fire departments have joined forces to create the West Valley Regional Fire Training Consortium, a cooperative effort to share resources and maintain standard operating guidelines.

Their first joint training exercise took place over several days last week, with the four member agencies — along with the West Plainfield and Yocha Dehe fire departments — practicing wildland fire suppression …