As part of a one-week
program training them to help plan firefighting strategies
in different situations, the Ketchikan Fire Department put
their firefighters through very rigorous simulated incidents.
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According to Assistant
Fire Chief Jim Hill, the propane-tank fire was particularly
exciting. Liquid propane was used rather than the
gas Hill said, “...because the liquid version of the
fuel sends
out a much more powerful flame”.
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“Having to
practice working as a team to extinguish propane fires is
crucial to the entire operation. Several firefighters spray
chemicals to create a circular opening in the flame and
then the commander then has to reach into that opening to
turn the tank’s valve off,” said Hill.
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Other simulated incidents,
the 15 trainees practiced extricating (removing) victims from
vehicles, fire training at the station’s drill tower, and
other scenarios.
Hill added that “The
training increases the abilities of Ketchikan’s firefighters,
and allows more firefighters to be involved in planning and command.”
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