Feature Article October 2, 2002
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Burning for safety: Fire crews take propane courseby Jeff GreenThere were some pretty spectacular fires burning in a fire pit near Arden last Saturday. They were all set by a training team as part of a two day Live Fire course for 24 local firefighters from three fire departments.
The
two day hydrocarbon fire course was put on by a group of trainers who
work under contract from the Municipal Health and Safety Department of
the provincial government, and was organized by the Central Frontenac
Fire Department, and funded from their training budget.
Fire
crews resting between exercises.
-photo Jeff Green
Various types of propane tanks were ignited and the crews were able to put them out using techniques that were explained by the training crews.
Well get them back for debriefing after this, said John Parrish, one of the trainers, and make sure they dont get too cocky, because after all these are ideal conditions for putting out fires. A propane tank burning in a tight space next to a house is another matter altogether.
One experienced firefighter said, Weve been dealing with propane for many years, and its good to find out why the things that we knew worked did work. Part of the training was about safely turning off propane supply after dousing flames, and about maintaining the safety of the fire crews throughout.
We try to bring dangerous situations down a notch, to make them only hazardous for the firefighters. Thats all you can do with fire, you cant make it a safe circumstance until the fire is doused, said Parrish.
Sixteen firefighters from Central Frontenac took the course, 3 from North Frontenac, 1 from South Sherbrooke, and 2 from Bedford. Participants fees were all paid by their own departments.
The training committee of the Central Frontenac Fire department is considering various training options for the next year, including a carbon monoxide course, a machine extrication course, and a smokehouse extrication rescue exercise. As well, the opportunity to go for training at the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst may be made available to some individual fire fighters.
