Training is smoking hot for firefighters

Last week, fire departments from around north Okaloosa County gave a helping hand for the fourth annual Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend.
The event at Northwest Florida State College ran Sept. 18 – 20 and provided volunteer firefighters from across the state with free training and class instruction.
Without the help of many of the local departments, this event, which boasted 205 participants, would not have been nearly as successful as it was, organizers said.
The first day of the event began with a demonstration of vehicle extrication. Crews from Almarante and Dorcas provided water, lighting and equipment support, as firefighters cut away at the four vehicles set out.
With the help of some nationally known companies, both newcomers and veterans, fire personnel were able to play with some new tools of the trade, and learn or refresh their skills.
The second morning dawned with the burn tower. Crews from Crestview, North Okaloosa, Laurel Hill and Holt fire departments provided apparatus, equipment, water and medical support, as new recruits experienced their first structure fire.
Without this training firefighters cannot enter a structure and the drill is a critical component of their training.
For those who had already achieved the certification, this was a controlled practice environment not occurring during actual firefighting. Inside of the burn tower, temperatures were controlled at around 800 degrees. At times, the fire spiked up to 1000 degrees, allowing the firefighters to safely experience the grueling heat they will encounter during future fires.
During the exercise, the crew, consisting of an instructor and six firefighters, would enter the structure and extinguish the fire, which was composed of wooden pallets and hay to simulate furniture.
While working the blaze, firefighters are taught about fire and thermal currents with the use of a thermal imaging camera.
In addition to continued training in the burn tower, the afternoon events included several other training sessions, including but not limited to, department vehicle and apparatus operations, search and rescue techniques, pump operations and a foam-based fire attack.
The first fire consisted of wooden pallets and hay, your typical brush fire. The attack truck was used to spray foam out of a small nozzle, extinguishing the fire within 30 seconds.
The second fire was much more intense; an alcohol fire. This alcohol wasn't your typical store brand, but rather 100 percent pure alcohol.
A “pool” of alcohol was lit with a large “whoof” sound. Alcohol burns with very light and hazy white smoke at around 800 degrees and the base of the fire is invisible, making this fire very dangerous.
Water was first applied with no success; the water evaporated before it even reached the fire due to the intense heat.
Next the attack truck was used and foam sprayed out with force, but the wind currents caused by the spraying foam just spread the fire and made it more intense. The final attempt was with a small hand-held device reminiscent of a super-sized gas can.
At the back of this “gas can,” a small water supply hose was connected. The front had a 15-foot rubber hose with a large funnel-type nozzle like that found on an industrial-size fire extinguisher.
The final fire was a dangerous mix of alcohol and gasoline. The smoke was dark black and the fire intense.
On this fire, only the portable foam device was used. Despite the fire burning hot and strong, the firefighters were able to cover and extinguish the fire within 15 seconds.
By the end of the third day, all of the firefighters, from new recruits and volunteers to well-seasoned veterans, were displaying their newly acquired skills and techniques.