On 4/19, LCFC Volunteers and volunteers from Twin Valley, Glenmoore, and Ridge Fire Companies took time out of their weekend to train on the basics of brush fires. Over the past few years, brush and woods fires have spiked in severity and it is taking multiple companies to extinguish these fires. All companies met at Station 73 for a brief overview of the day’s plans before heading out to the Moore property for the training. This training was setup and led by the members of the Twin Valley Forestry team. Once arrived, everyone grabbed tools from their trucks and provided an overview of what each tool can do and its purpose in brush fire operations.
Crews then split up into 3 groups and worked to cut fire breaks through the simulated woods fires. Our crew comprised of 73 and 48 volunteers and was led by Battalion 69 (M.Wilson). As we worked our way through the woods, Battalion 69 worked with us to inform us on the proper way to cut a fire line and how to remain safe at the same time. He also explained to us how their (TVFD) ribbon system works while operating at a woods fire.
After lunch, crews worked on setting up and establishing a water supply with a portable pump. Crews setup the pump at a pond in the woods to supply the brush trucks to fight the simulated fire. Once this was establish, crews worked on extending hose lines and reducing hose line size to fight these types of fires.
Thank you to Twin Valley for inviting us to this training and for supplying lunch and drinks as well. |