Firefighter Recruit Training in West Fargo in Preparation for Winter
WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Local firefighter recruits are undergoing training in West Fargo. They started field training on Tuesday by putting out basic car fires.
“Today they are starting with their initial fire training with actual live fire, so we’re just developing a comfort level as they approach a fire as we advance to more advanced fires in the coming weeks.” said Fargo Fire Department Training Captain Brett Petsinger. The 5 recruits each put out one fire from different positions, as well as a dumpster fire.
The training seems to be going smoothly according to Brett Petsinger. He said “So far this seems like a great group. They show up, willing to work, they show up willing to work hard and focus on learning new skills every day.”
With this training, they are also preparing for winter fires. Winter fires, especially when it gets very cold, can cause significant issues mainly with the water supply.
“The major concern we have in winter again, is the water freezing and also then creating a slip hazard or things like that so we just want to make sure that our firefighters know the risk that’s involved and they’re conscious of all the ice that’s around” said Brett Petsinger. Issues with the water freezing can cause issues in putting out the fire without running water.
Becoming a firefighter takes a long amount of time including at least 10 weeks of training and passing the fire service academy.
