Clayton Fire takes 47ABC behind the scenes of official training
Fire risk is especially high during the winter months, but the coming spring doesn’t mean first responders will be taking it easy.
Fires can sometimes be prevented, and other times they can’t. That’s why the Clayton Fire Company wants to be prepared for any situation.
Sunday, they gave 47ABC an inside look at how they prepare for a structural fire.
Ashley Carrow, an active fire fighter says, “This is where you get to make your mistakes. You don’t want to make a mistake on a fire scene.”
Although fire fighters are prepared from their lessons in fire school, officials tell 47ABC these trainings are important because it’s the backbones of the department.
Kevin Wilson, the public information officer with the Clayton Fire Company says, “We don’t fight enough fires in a days- time to be really good at it. We have to train, and we train, train, train.”
The company trains about 60 to 70 times a year to be exact. Each training session has a different scenario.
For example, in a structural blaze, firefighters have to wear a breathing apparatus. They focus on getting low to stay underneath the heat and enter a building on fire straight on.
If fire fighters don’t enter a fire straight on, and instead try to make lots of turns, it becomes difficult to use the hose. When the hose is filled with tons of water, it gets much harder to bend and becomes really heavy.
Cheryl Hurlock, a firefighter of nearly seven years, says that’s something she’s had to work on. Hurlock believes identifying weaknesses is a major part of training.
Hurlock goes on, “I joined at a later time in life. I feel I need all I can get and be the most productive that I can be. Being a woman, I’m not as strong so I have to learn techniques to get myself in their game.”
Hurlock’s attitude is what Wilson says builds better, stronger fire fighters; which will in turn benefit the entire community.
Making sure fire fighters are prepared is just one way to save lives. However, everyone can do their part to prevent a fire.
Here are a few fire safety tips:
If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for help.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
Test smoke alarms once a month, if they’re not working, change the batteries.
Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
