Check out the NEW SCBA

This is a really cool evolution to our current SCBA's

Live Fire

This week we were finally introduced to ‘live’ fire training. Although we are working with natural gas that produces a clean white steamy smoke the experience is pretty cool. Tonight’s scenarios included a ‘couch’ fire; stove fire and car fire. Each of the scenarios include a modified gas burner that puts off some fairly good size flames.

The couch requires a direct attack by hitting forcing the water right on the elements. The kitchen fire requires an indirect shot otherwise the burner will ‘flare’ and grow. And the car fire required……a lot of direct water.

Wednesday we practice some more with more intense flames, more heat and more water……

Mayday Mayday Mayday

Tonight’s fire training was all about recognizing when to call for help (mayday). Too often firefighters will be intimidated to call for help and instead will try to self rescue. The message for tonight was clear…..if you find yourself in trouble initiate a mayday or at least notify IC that you might be needing assistance and then try to rescue yourself. The time it takes to respond and help can be minutes which can easily be the difference between life and death when battling a fire.

In order to practice we had three difference scenario’s.
Scenario 1. Two firefighters go in doing a right hand search of a dark room. All of a sudden one of the firefighters has a steel fence dropped on top and they are pinned to the ground.


Scenario 2. Was practicing the breaching of a wall. Full PPE with SCBA knocking a hole through a wall with studs every 16 inches. It was a challenge getting the body, gear and tank through the wall but everyone made it.


Scenario 3. Proved a bit more interesting. Three men in doing a right hand search. Through the maze (which at times is no wider than a body). During the search the instructors are above us on top of the maze and they secretly tie a rope around our tanks getting us entangled. We need to call for a mayday and then attempt a self rescue. Keeping in mind there is no light, no tools and a lot of commotion.

Next week is live fire…..should be fun.

Open House

I am fast learning that being a volunteer fire fighter is much more about community awareness, support and interaction than it is about fighting fires. Both are awesome. This last weekend we held an annual open house where families, individuals and anyone interested could get a ride in a fire engine, police car or even the 6-wheel off-road at; take their hand at shooting a live fire hose; watch a car get set on fire and how we put it out; vehicle extraction; and many other demonstrations, food and fun. We just received one e-mail thanking the group for the impact that was made on their little daughter which I thought I would share: I just wanted to relate my daughters experience at the City Wide Open house. My husband brought her over to the Fire Department area. The life lessons she learned were amazing and helped reconfirm to her the many things we are teaching her about how to be safe. Here are some of comments: 1. She told me that even girls could be a firefighter and that was so cool because God wants even girls to be heroes. 2. She told her Daddy that he should drive safely, because if he didn’t he could get in an accident and then they would have to call the fire team. Many times on Sunday she told us to pay attention to the road because other people may not be following the rules. 3. She asked us if when she drinks her juice should she not drive? We then explained that there are some adult drinks that can make you do things ……. 4. She wore her size 10 t-shirt (she normally wears a 4t) to bed. At one point her and her Dad played fire fighters and she used a jump rope to help put out fires and save people. She even remembered to break the window of the car first. Before she went to sleep she said I like helping people so maybe I could be a firefighter. 5. It wasn’t the “action” she was so excited about it was that there are people out there who will risk themselves to help others. What a great lesson!!!! 6. And of course her day care has taught her stop, drop and roll so she has taught all her dolls this lesson. 7. Lastly we took the opportunity to address what to do if our house was on fire and the 911 call when needed. It is more than what you do every day to save lives that matter, it is the lasting impact on the many lives you touch. Good Stuff!

Week Three Training

This past week was actually an interesting class as it relates to classroom discussion and hands on.

This week we started to discuss the behavior of fire and smoke. How to read when a bad situation might turn worse and how to plan an effective strategy.

Some of the Backdraft and Flash Over clips are pretty amazing. I don't think we'll be getting a live/real Xmas tree this year:40 Second Flashover



We also spent time this week getting familiar with the hoses and appliances. The power of a 2.5" hose at 250PSI is pretty impressive.