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closeOn Scene: Gig Harbor Fire training lights up Warren Drive
Bobbie Aubrey
On Scene
When my husband left home on a Saturday morning earlier this month, he noticed “fire training” signs on Warren Drive and called me to suggest I might enjoy photographing it. That was a foregone conclusion, as I love to photograph everything.
I arrived at the Fox Island residence about 11 a.m. and talked to Cory and Shannon Rasmussen, the owners of the home that was going to be burned. They were delighted that I would photograph everything and provide them with a copy of my photos.
I introduced myself to the firefighters and was awed by the courtesy and consideration I received. I was given a hard hat and assigned to an off-duty firefighter, who also was there to help and to photograph the event.
He explained the extensive procedures they go through to prepare for this type of an exercise. The home has to have hazardous materials removed — even the roofing. I was shown detailed drawings they prepared of the interior floor plan and where each of the fires would be set.
There were eight or more fires that would be set, then extinguished, before the home would be totally set ablaze. Each fire would be a separate training exercise.
Fires were set on the top floor and then the main floor. I watched as they went into the fires with their 30-pound packs and all their gear.
By the end of the day, their shoulders would ache with the weight of their packs. It was amazing to see someone go into the home with a white helmet and come out with it dark brown, having been charred by smoke and heat.
All day, I kept hearing a beeping noise, and then I would see a firefighter wiggle. Seriously, they would wiggle.
I learned that the noise is a safety feature that would go into a higher alert if they didn’t move. The system lets them know if a firefighter is immobile and in the need of help.
Everywhere I looked, instruction was given on equipment and procedures for each part of the job and for the safety of the surrounding homes and landscape. Barriers were put up to keep people from coming too close; trees and shrubs were watered down; a back hoe and power saws were ready, if they were needed.
I saw every level of firefighter, from district commissioners, to battalion chiefs, to career firefighters, to volunteers and medics. I was told the fire department provided the service for free to give the firefighters valuable experience in a safe, controlled environment.
I want to thank Phil, from the Point Fosdick station, for all the time, consideration and information he gave to me, and the many others who came to photograph the event. We should all feel safer, knowing what a well-prepared fire department we have here in Gig Harbor.