"If we can control the fire then it burns under our terms"
Wapato, WASH. -- Preparing for the worst, by making it happen. A large field was set on fire to give the newest members of Yakima County Fire District 5 hands-on training.
"If we can control the fire then it burns under our terms versus it burning under its own terms," said Captain Dave Martin.
Martin was at the Wapato field with about a dozen new fire fighters in training. They learned about equipment and what to look out in all types of scenarios, including wild fires. When all were ready, the brushy field was lit up.
Crews first established a fire wall outside of the field by burning fuel.
Then the lessons they learned kicked into gear.
"At times the winds started changing direction and we had to keep that in mind," said Eduardo Rojas.
Rojas recently graduated high school and says he knew from a young age he'd be a firefighter. He says he's learned that safety always comes first.
"Make sure that I'm safe, make sure that my partners safe, and if something goes south, ya know be ready," Rojas said.
The fire quickly spread across the entire field. As it died down, crews used water and special techniques to make sure it was extinguished.
Fire ripped through the field consuming everything in its path except
for green plants. Firefighters say it just goes to show that surrounding your home by as much green as possible can potentially
save it from disaster.
Up close and personal with a smokey, red-hot blaze. Captain Martin says the experience will improve this crew's performance when it's not just a drill.
"They haven't felt the heat they haven't smelled the smoke so it gives them a chance to get out there and see the real deal and know what's going on," Martin said.
"If we can control the fire then it burns under our terms versus it burning under its own terms," said Captain Dave Martin.
Martin was at the Wapato field with about a dozen new fire fighters in training. They learned about equipment and what to look out in all types of scenarios, including wild fires. When all were ready, the brushy field was lit up.
Crews first established a fire wall outside of the field by burning fuel.
Then the lessons they learned kicked into gear.
"At times the winds started changing direction and we had to keep that in mind," said Eduardo Rojas.
Rojas recently graduated high school and says he knew from a young age he'd be a firefighter. He says he's learned that safety always comes first.
"Make sure that I'm safe, make sure that my partners safe, and if something goes south, ya know be ready," Rojas said.
The fire quickly spread across the entire field. As it died down, crews used water and special techniques to make sure it was extinguished.
Fire ripped through the field consuming everything in its path except
for green plants. Firefighters say it just goes to show that surrounding your home by as much green as possible can potentially
save it from disaster.
Up close and personal with a smokey, red-hot blaze. Captain Martin says the experience will improve this crew's performance when it's not just a drill.
"They haven't felt the heat they haven't smelled the smoke so it gives them a chance to get out there and see the real deal and know what's going on," Martin said.
