Fire Ops 101 Offers Policy Makers an Insider's Look at Firefighting

It’s not uncommon for government officials to tour fire stations and other government work sites, but they don’t often get the gritty, hands-on experience.

On May 10, a group of policy makers got the chance to gear up and live a day in the life of a first responder.

About 30 participants, ranging from a state representative to city council members and city administrators to fire commissioners, arrived early Friday morning for Fire Ops 101. The training took place at the HAMMER training and education center, a federal facility located on the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford Site in Richland, Washington. 

Now in its ninth year, the program’s aim is to give policy makers and media professionals a better understanding of the firefighting profession in terms of staffing levels and the need for certain types of equipment, said Ryan Simonds, a Renton Firefighter and Public Relations Director for Renton Firefighters Union Local #864.

This year, Tacoma City Manager T.C. Broadnax accepted an invitation to attend the one-day Fire Ops 101 program hosted by the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters.

“I believe the Fire Ops training exercise is beneficial for those who want to understand the importance of why their respective cities should value having well-trained, well-staffed and well-equipped Fire Departments,” he said.

Fire Ops 101— Friday, 7:15 a.m.
Sporting cotton shorts and T-shirts in place of business suits, Fire Ops 101 officials instructed participants hydrate well and fill up on bagels, fruit and energy bars as they stood in line for a basic health check (blood check, heart rate and oxygen levels) and a listened to a special heat safety briefing to prepare the group for the day’s 97-degree forecast.

By 8 a.m. the group — now clad in rubber boots, “Bunker Gear” and air tanks (also called SCBAs, or self-contained breathing apparatus) — made its way down to the prop area.

In years past, the facility provided shuttle transportation between the props, but due to sequestration this perk had been cut, explained program officials.
The day included five stations: Ladder Ops, House Fire, Extrication, Search and Rescue, CPR and Automobile Fire.

The experience reinforced Broadnax’s appreciation for the dangerous and time-sensitive work performed by fire fighters.

“The complete lack of visibility I had during the burning building scenario was enlightening for me, as I could imagine what actual firefighters in a real life situation might experience while attempting to save those that may be trapped in such a structure,” he said of the house fire scenario. Scaling a 100-foot ladder truck extension wasn’t any easier, he added.

“And, while the ladder climbing exercise may look easy,” he said. “I can assure you that it is not.”

I have always been a proponent for ensuring that these brave men and women have the best and most advanced equipment available to perform their jobs, and I was glad to have the opportunity to see this equipment in action, he said.