FireLink

Pushups for Time - Pushups to the Extreme!

Stew Smith — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:04:00 -0700

This week I received a fun email from a former Marine who likes to push himself still and those around him. He writes:

Stew, I have been using your workouts to get my pushups up to 100 in 2 minutes (as a Marine we focused on pullups as you know) and got it last week. Now I an thinking of doing pushups for some kind of record – thousands maybe?

Also if you would I have laid down the challenge in my office to do 15 pullups / 40 pushups for 3 sets in under 6 minutes. Any ideas on how to train / strategize that one?

Good job with the pushups tests in two minutes goal! The super-sets, pyramids, and timed rep sets work pretty well to build up to those goals even for us 40+ year olds. But to train for the higher rep no time limit pushups contests you need to change your focus. As you know for a two minute test it is all about speed as an above average score is one pushup per second or faster even.

I compare the two styles of pushups to running a 100m sprint for time and running a marathon. Both are still running, but two entirely different methods to train as well as energy systems that are used.

For the higher goals you want to pace yourself and go slowly so your muscles can recover during the long duration. But you actually let gravity take you down – no exertion and come up relatively fast – and pause at the top with arms straight (muscles relaxed) – using more bones to stay up than muscle. This type of steady pace can help you last longer in the pushup contest, but you also need to practice working other muscle groups in order to stay in the UP position.

Watch for Tendinitis! This type of repetition will wreak havoc on your elbows / shoulders so you need to recover well with good foods / ice after hundreds of pushups workouts / stretch well.
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Lower back / abs – working the back muscles and stomach muscles is critical as well. A yoga based plank pose (UP pushup position) is challenging if you try to hold it for more than 3-5 minutes. You will have to build up to several hours sounds like. This takes time to perfect – give yourself a good year of this core training and it will make pushups a ton easier.

Pushup workouts – I would start out with multiple sets of pushups done at a steady pace. Start off with ten minutes of pushups non-stop – meaning – you cannot place your knee on the floor for 10 minutes. But you can rest in the UP position after a set number of pushups.

This is actually pretty good training for you SEAL candidates out there as I remember days of hanging out in the leaning for for 45-50 minutes doing sets of 30-50 pushups until the instructors were tired. Add a little surf zone (sand and water) for better results! Second question on 15 pullups / 40 pushups contest:

Sounds like you are on a 2 minute interval. So I would tackle this one by doing:

- 15 pullups / drop down immediately for 40 pushups – this will take 1 minute tops - Take about 30-45 seconds to rest / stretch and begin set #2. - Repeat with 1 minute rest on last one if needed.

But basically you have to be able to do multiple sets of 15-20 reps of pullups – make your workouts that. The two exercises (pullup / pushups) are opposing muscles groups so they should not tire you out from one exercise to the next.

Once you get good at this timed test with rest, decrease your rest time until you can roll through this workout with no rest at all. It can be done – just takes practice. Then your office will say, “Don’t mess with that guy – he used to be a Marine!”

Thanks for the email, I think I will challenge my group of future military guys who train with me to the same workout. For all readers, if in the Maryland area, come check out the free workouts I do for all pre-military / LE guys. We also take in former military guys too!

Good luck with your pt program and I hope you see improvement soon. More workouts can be easily obtained at the Firelink.com Fitness eBook Store. Send me an email and I may post it up as an article next week. You can contact me at stew@stewsmith.com.

Interview Mistakes No Firefighter Should Make

FireLink | Kendra Weikman, Associate Editor — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:41:00 -0700

The truth of the matter is that most people sabotage their own interviews. Instead of putting their best foot forward, they put off the interviewer by acting cocky, unsure of their talent, having bad manners, or by simply acting abnormal. FireLink has interviewed several recruitment experts to bring you unbelievable true stories of what actually happens behind interview doors. If you want to land that new job, follow this interview advice from the interview experts:

Acting Cocky Does Not Help You »

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Acting Cocky Does Not Help You

It doesn't bode well for you to walk into an interview as if you've already been hired. In order to impress the interviewer, never speak negatively about past coworkers or employers.

When asked about the internet security policies of a past employer, a candidate was quoted as saying , "Well, it was a stupid policy anyway." Mentioning that your former employer was dumb in any way doesn't show how superior you are. Instead, what an employer sees is that you are not a fiercely loyal worker, and that you bad-mouth others you work with.

One very important rule: During an interview do not bring up your potential salary. Candidates (who were not hired) have been known to start asking for a raise before even being offered a position! We all know that you are trying to get a job in order to make a living, just try not to be so transparent. Your interviewer wants to know that you have chosen to interview at their company because of the outstanding product or service they offer not just because you need a paycheck.

Also, applicants during an interview have been known to ask, "How soon can I transfer to a better job?" and even "Can I telecommute because the drive is too much in the morning?" As an interviewee you have to remain humble. The company is choosing you and not the other way around. On the flip side you don't want to come off as unsure of yourself.

Be Confident »

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Be Confident

Never say that you don't know how to do something. When a department asks you about certain skills necessary for the job, rather than admitting that you don't possess that skill, simply explain that you are a fast learner and can easily be taught. You want to come across as someone that can take on any task.

If you're wondering how you are doing during the interview, fight your instinct to ask, "How am I doing?" That would be interview suicide. If you ask the interviewer for feedback while the interview is taking place it's quite evident that you are not confident. Stay calm, bite your tongue, and continue with quiet dignity.

Finally, don't tell the interviewer that you are willing to work for less money. This shows that you are okay with undervaluing yourself and that you are not business savvy and perhaps even desperate. If the company deems the salary appropriate for the position, take it.

Watch Your Manners »

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Watch Your Manners

Candidates have been known to ask right off the bat, "So when do I get hired?" One word: Rude. Give every person you meet at a potential department the respect they deserve. You never know who you will meet and what they can do for you. Do not leave your cell phone on during an interview. Do not ask the interviewer if you can leave it on since you are waiting for an important call (yes, it has happened.) The question is what is more important, a phone call or your interview?

You will be judged on everything you say. Keep in mind that the interviewer doesn't know you and they often won't realize when you are joking around. That said, never make racist comments. While you are at it, avoid stereotypes. Starting off a sentence with, "You know how women/men/gays/blacks/Asians/kids/old people/handicapped are…" may be offensive to the interviewer. They don't know you and you don't know them. Be sensitive and avoid politically incorrect statements like the plague.

Never Get Too Personal »

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Never Get Too Personal

An interview is not a therapy session. The interviewer doesn't need to know that you need to make at least $20 dollars an hour because your alimony will take half. Keep the conversation career-oriented and focused on what you can do for the company. I know it's tempting to give your life history when an interviewer asks, "Tell me about yourself…" However, this is a trick question. It's not open ended. Talking about how much your former chief had it out for you is indeed career-oriented—but better left unsaid. You don't want to come off as a trouble-maker so pick and choose exactly what you want the interviewer to know about you. Don't offer up embarrassing and self incriminating information when you haven't even been asked for it.

Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid »

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Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid

Did you exaggerate a little bit on your resume? Keep that to yourself! We don't have to divulge all of our secrets. Your resume got you in the door and now you can finally prove yourself so don't self-sabotage.

Other ways to sabotage yourself include mentioning that you are planning to have another child, moving out of town, have the itch to go back to school, or have any medical issues. You want to present yourself as low-maintenance and honest.

If you are interviewing at several other departments don't tell the interviewer. Even though you may think this makes you more desirable, it can always backfire. You don't want to notify your current department that you are looking for a job elsewhere unless you like the idea of walking around with a "Fire Me" sticker on your forehead. Keep your career moves to yourself and be smart about what you divulge.

Some Final Words Before You Walk into Your Interview…

Wait through the silence and lulls in your interview. You may feel uncomfortable during these gaps in conversation but if you feel you've answered the question, there is no need to ramble aimlessly since we know what that will get you…zero job offers. Finally, if you are asked, "What is the least favorite thing you like to do?" Do not answer, "Interview." Okay, off you go, Good luck!

15 Toughest Interview Questions (and Answers) »

15 Toughest Interview Questions (and Answers)

FireLink | Kendra Weikman, Associate Editor — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:21:00 -0700

1. Why do you want to work in this industry?

Bad answer:

"I like firefighting. I think it's really cool."

Don't just say you like it. Anyone can "like" firefighting. Focus instead on your history with the industry, and if you can, tell a story.

Good answer:

"I have always appreciated and admired those who put their lives on the line to protect our comminutues. My interest really piqued in firefighting however after I witnessed a post-crash rescue. I heard the calling as I watched the first response team pull the civilians to safety and out of harms way. It was then I knew that this is what I was meant to do."

Next Question: Tell us about yourself

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2. Tell us about yourself.

Bad answer:

"I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor's degree in Biology – but I decided that wasn't the right path for me. I switched gears and got my first job working in a fire department. Then I went on to work in another department and started participating in training courses. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back to start working again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging fire and rescue role."

Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.

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Good answer:

"I'm a very energetic and well-rounded person who can follow instructions well. I am a good communicator and quite a team player. At the last department I was with I initiated medic classes for the firefighters who were interested in learning first-aid techniques. Because it was such a success, the entire department is in the process of getting certifications for all members in different areas of response medical aid."

Next Question: What do you think of your previous boss?

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3. What do you think of your previous boss?

Bad answer:

"He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I've moved on"

Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from them (no matter how awful they might have been).

Good answer:

"My last boss taught me the importance of time management – he didn't pull any punches, and was extremely driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet goals I never even thought were possible."

Next Question: Why are you leaving your current role?

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4. Why are you leaving your current role?

Bad answer:
"I can't stand my boss, or the work I'm doing."

Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.

Good answer:

"I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain new skill-sets – all of which, I see the potential for in this job."

Next Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?

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5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Bad answer:

"Relaxing on a beach in Maui," or "Doing your job."

There's really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you're ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.

Good answer:

"In five years I'd like to have an even better understanding of fire and rescue. Also, I really enjoy being the first to a scene. I work very well under pressure. Ultimately, I'd like to be in a commander-type position, where I can use my organizational skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working with me, and those we are there to help."

Next Question: What's your greatest weakness?

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6. What's your greatest weakness?

Bad answer:

"I work too hard," or for the comedian, "Blondes."

This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don't want your answer to be cliché – joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.

Good answer:

"I've never been very comfortable with public speaking – which as you know, can be a hindrance. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous department if I could enroll in a speech workshop. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I've given a lot of safety presentations to school children across the county. I still don't love it, but no one else can tell!"

Next Question: What salary are you looking for?

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7. What salary are you looking for?

Bad answer:

"In my last job I earned $35,000 – so, now I'm looking for $40,000"

If you can avoid it, don't give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you've conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.

Good answer:

"I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City."

Next Question: Why Should I Hire You?

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8. Why should I hire you?

Bad answer:

"I'm the best candidate for the role."

A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.

Good answer:

"I've been a firefighter for the past five years – my boss has said time and time again that without me, the department wouldn't function so well. I've also taken the time to educate myself on some of the non-standard techniques used in first response. I can react quickly in hectic situations, and can handle the responsibilities of a leadership role. What's good enough for most people is never really good enough for me."

Next Question: What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?

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9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?

Bad answer:

I never finished law school – and everything that has happened since then has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake."

You don't want to actually highlight a major regret – especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.

Good answer:

"When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my Engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all."

Next Question: How do you explain your gap in employment?

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10. How do you explain your gap in employment?

Bad answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break," or "I just can't find a job."

Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don't want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.

Good answer:

"My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one."

Next Question: When were you most satisfied in your job?

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11. When were you most satisfied in your job?

Bad answer:
"I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work."

Don't give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well —and enjoyed— that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you're a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm.

Good answer:

"I'm a people person. I was always happiest — and most satisfied — when I was interacting with community residents, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible comfort in a tough situation. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed. Part of the reason I'm interested in this job is that I know I'd have even more interaction with the public, on an even more critical level."

Next Question: What did you like least about your last job?

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12. What did you like least about your last job?

Bad answer:
"A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time."

Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you don't want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure won't be part of this new role.

Good answer:

"There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting – I didn't like spending quite so much time out of the department. I'm happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel."

Next Question: Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker

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13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.

Bad answer:
"I'm easy to get along with, so I've never had any kind of discord with another coworker."

Interviewers don't like these types of "easy out" answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and spin it to be a positive learning experience.

Good answer:

"I used to lock heads with a fellow EMT. We disagreed over a lot of things – from the care of civilians to who got what shifts to how to speak with a victim's family. Our personalities just didn't mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we weren't getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue."

Next Question: What motivates you?

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14. What motivates you?

Bad answer:
"Doing a good job and being rewarded for it."

It's not that this answer is wrong — it's just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don't give a vague, generic response — it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.

Good answer:

"I've always been motivated by the challenge – in my last role, I was responsible for training our new recruits and having a 100% success rate in passing scores. I know that this job is very fast-paced and I'm more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it."

Next Question: How would your friends describe you?

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15. How would your friends describe you?

Bad answer:
"I'm a really good listener."

While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesn't care all that much. It's unlikely that they're hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. You'll want to keep your answer relevant to the job you're interviewing for, and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.

Good answer:

"My friends would probably say that I'm extremely persistent – I've never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another - this was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted the big players – so I wouldn't take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said "yes" – the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it's just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it."

Step 10: Getting Membership

Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:07:00 -0700

Congratulations on getting on a volunteer department!

Hopefully, by reading through this guide you have gained some helpful knowledge to help you not only become a volunteer firefighter, but to help you along your career as well.

Now that you are a part of the department, it’s time to really show what you’ve got. Keep demonstrating that you are interested in firefighting, that this is something you truly want to do. Showing your determination and drive can help you get the most out of your trainings and experience on the job.

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Good luck to all of you out there and stay safe!

Read the Guide Again

Step 9: Ask Questions

Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:05:00 -0700

It doesn’t matter if you are a rookie on probationary status, or you are a tenured member of the team, always ask questions!

Common knowledge states that there is no such thing as a stupid question. If you don’t know something, ask a person who does.

By asking questions you may not only help yourself, but other members and officers as well. I know after a certain amount of time goes by, and you have training sessions learned by heart, you think nothing can surprise you. If this is the case, ask a superior what else there is for you to learn. Could you work for a new certification? Want to spend some time on different branch efforts? Get involved and ask!

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I can’t stress enough how important it is to ask questions. It’s how you learn. It’s how you improve yourself and your brothers. Ask, ask, ask!

Step 10: Getting Membership

Step 8: Contribute Additional Skills and Talents

Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:01:00 -0700

It is important to bring productive personal skills to the table when you become a volunteer firefighter.

I know at my department, we have volunteers with backgrounds in electrical work, mechanics, plumbing and farming (yes, farming).

Volunteer departments will sometimes work on their own vehicles and equipment if the work is something that can be done at the station. This helps to cut costs and save money that can be put to better use on something else.

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If you don’t have any technical skills don’t think you are off the hook. Every station has a list of chores that need to be done in order to keep the department clean and in order. This includes: cleaning, mowing the yard, (if you have one) snow and ice removal, and polishing the truck and other pieces of equipment. The station will be like a second home to you, and you will want to keep it just as clean if not cleaner.

In the end, there is always something to do to help your department out. A clean and open station allows for better times hanging out with your fellow firefighters, as well as presents good face to the public.

Step 9: Ask Questions

Step 7: Possess Good Time Management Skills

Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:57:00 -0700

Being a volunteer is a great way to start out in the industry, but there are also other factors you may have to consider. Most volunteer firefighters have full-time jobs and families.

Learning how to prioritize your schedule will be one of the most useful skills during your time volunteering. Thankfully, a lot of departments across the country have set meeting schedules and trainings that you can prepare for ahead of time.

Time management is a set of principles, practices, skills, tools, and systems working together to help you get more value out of your time with the aim of improving the quality of your life.

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Though it can be a time consuming job, volunteering is well worth the effort and work in the long run.

Step 8: Contribute Additional Skills and Talents

Step 6: Be In Good Physical Condition

Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:54:00 -0700

The Fire and Rescue industry is and can be very demanding, both physically and mentally.

When most of us hear the word “physical,” we automatically think of ripped abs and tones arms. This is not the context that we use this word. The phrase “good physical condition” simply implies that you can handle strenuous activity for a certain period of time.

You will be required to lift and carry heavy items such as rolls of hose, ladders, patients, (you will usually have a partner to help) and other weighty objects. You will also need the ability to heavy equipment and tools used for entrapment and accident calls. These tools can include the Jaws of Life, and any pumps that go with them.

Being in good shape does not mean achieving a certain height, weight or size. You can be a large, tall and burly man and still be in good physical condition.

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Some keys to staying in good condition are normal exercise routines. Riding bikes and walking are two easy and less-intense ways to help your cardio health. Use lightweights when lifting to keep muscles from getting tight, and slowly increase the weight to help build their strength and density.

Have regular physicals to check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Heard disease is the number one killer of firefighters, and understanding your potential risk can help save your life in the end. Above all, keep a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Be aware that some volunteer departments have a ban on smoking and tobacco, and other may require a physical fitness test prior to hiring. Do your research and know what to expect.

Step 7: Possess Good Time Management Skills

Step 5: Be Aware of Your Limitations

Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:50:00 -0700

This is an industry that can demand a lot from you. Not sometimes, but most of the time. Being aware of your limitations is a humbling skill that all firefighters should have.

Letting your officers know of any hesitations helps not only yourself, but your department as well. Knowing when to say, “I can’t” makes you more of a person for putting your own pride aside, and making the safety of your officers and brothers a priority.

Even with the proper training, certain tasks may not come to you right away. If you feel a responsibility is too much for you to handle at first, tell a superior officer.

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Improving yourself and your firefighting skills will come with time. The more experience you have under your belt, the more confidence and exposure you will gain. This will help in reducing some of your initial hesitations and limitations.

Learn where you feel comfortable and where you don’t. Like any situation in life, it’s knowing how you can improve before actually doing it that counts.

Step 6: Be In Good Physical Condition

Step 4: Mentally Prepare Yourself

Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:43:00 -0700

At this point you have researched the industry, spoken with a few departments, and narrowed down your career path interests. Now you have to mentally prepare yourself for the job ahead.

We all know that life is not mimicked by what you see on television and in the movies. There are very real dangers and horrors that one in fire and rescue can, and will, experience.

If you are looking to pursue a paramedic or first response position, you have to be able to handle interactions with blood, body parts and fluid, violence victims, and even death.

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Because of current budget limitations and constraints, departments may be looking for individuals who can work specific positions. If you know you cannot handle the responsibilities of those positions, speak up when going through the hiring discussions. It is far better to find a job that you can excel and enjoy than to take a position you feel uncomfortable and unsatisfied in.

Make sure you get yourself into the right frame of mind, and prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. Once you do that you can throw your whole self into the job and enjoy all the benefits that come from it.

Step 5: Be Aware of Your Limitations

Step 3: Know Your Interests

Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:39:00 -0700

So you want to start a new career in the Fire and Rescue industry, but you don’t know where to begin? How do you choose between becoming a firefighter, E.M.T., paramedic, first responder or a HazMat technician?

The roles of a firefighter have changed a lot over the years, and a firefighter’s job is not just to respond to a call and put out a fire. Firefighting has become a job with many roles and responsibilities. Some departments across the country run as fire/rescue only, while others may have ambulance services, or even a HazMat division.

Figuring out what it is that interests you is one of the most critical decisions you can make at the start of your career. Once you have your interests narrowed down, research the departments in your area that offer those services.

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Look a bit outside the box when you are doing your research. Some volunteer stations work on storm spotting or weather watching, while another specializes in carbon monoxide and broken gas line calls.

And thanks to proper technical training, you can stay busy and safe while doing something you love.

Step 4: Mentally Prepare Yourself

Step 2: Desire

Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:34:00 -0700

In this industry you have to have the will and the desire to get the job done, whatever that job may be. You may have to spend hours training with your department in new firefighting techniques and styles. You may have to fight for one more ounce of strength as you battle endless, angry flames during a call. You may have to put your life in harm’s way to help save the life of someone you don’t even know.

This is something you have to want to do with all your heart. You don’t become a volunteer firefighter because it’s in your family’s history, or because you’ve watched the gory and glorified stories on TV. You do this job because you have a strong, burning desire deep down to help those in need.

It is your responsibility to do everything in your power to protect life, property and the environment. Glory and praise cannot be your main priority, but perhaps a distant, secondhand benefit.

If you have the desire, if you have what it takes, you will be great at whatever you do.

Step 3: Know Your Interests

Step 1: Learn about the Fire and Rescue Industry

Kendra Weikman & Luther Berge — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:30:00 -0700

So you want to start a new career in the Fire and Rescue industry, but you don’t know where to begin?

The first step in becoming a volunteer firefighter is to research the industry.

For several hundred years volunteer firefighters have protected their communities. Because they rely heavily on donations and neighborhood involvement, a good chunk of a volunteer firefighter’s time is spent on fundraising. Popular fundraisers include bake sales, magazine sales, and auctions. The goal is to get the community involved in donating to the department.

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An added benefit of hosting these events is the visibility departments receive, and the respect and appreciated from their communities.

Along with fundraising, it is important to understand the culture of the fire and rescue industry. You aren’t joining a business; you’re joining a brotherhood. Once you earn the trust and respect of your fellow firefighters, you will get to be a part of something unique and special.

So start your journey of becoming a volunteer firefighter in books, online or by talking to other volunteers. There are tons of resources out there to introduce you into the world of volunteer firefighting that you should take full advantage of.

Step 2: Desire

Safe Running During The Hot, Dry Summer

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:18:00 -0700

With the long days of summer, there are more daylight hours in which to exercise. Many people focus on running and outdoor activities. These days, though, it may be best to stay indoors and do another type of workout instead of breathing polluted air during strenuous cardio activity.

In an email this week, I was asked about running during the summer, specifically during sand / dust storms of Iraq. In a separate email I was also asked the same question about running near the cities of the South East Coast of the United States when the summer days are hazy, hot and humid. Both humid and dry summer environments are not the most enjoyable places to run because if dehydration does not slow you down the fine particulate matter that can lodge in your lungs will.

Humid Cities

In the hot and humid cities like Washington DC, Atlanta, and even worse Beijing, more pollutants are trapped in the wet air that we breathe and will lead to many health issues such as:

1 – Reducing lung capability / function
2 – Damaging the lining of the lungs
3 – Causing asthma flare ups
4 – other chronic irreparable lung diseases

Tip to avoid: Do not run in the hottest part of the day and watch for Weather Ozone alerts in your city as the local weather channels / websites will discuss the fine particulate. For instance, check out Weather Channel State Air Quality Tool for up to date information about your city’s air quality.

Arid Environments

I asked an Army General Surgeon attached to a Special Forces Group and he said, “In the desert (specifically Iraq), you do not have the humidity issues of many regions, but due to the dry air, sand, dust, chemicals, and even animal / human feces microbes can get lodged into your lungs especially if you try to run during or shortly after a wind storm in the desert.” The same lung issues can occur as the above because the fine pollutants fly through the air and can get into your lungs and be an irritant at best.

In either environment, you should consider a TRX, weights, or PT workout for the day. I know it is tough to skip a cardio workout when seeking a fitness goal of some sort, but consider the near and long term health goals as well. Many complain of a persistent cough after running in a polluted area, which can last for months. If reduced lung capability is the best you can hope for when running in pollutants and permanent lung damage / cancer is the worst, I would seriously consider opting out of the long hard run until the air clears.

Rappelling into Hell: Helitack Firefighters

Kurt Kamm — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:23:00 -0700

Rappelling 50 to 200 feet from a helicopter into remote, rugged country near a roaring wildfire might sound like part of the plot for a Sylvester Stallone action flick. But it’s all in a day’s work now for the Santa Fe National Forest helitack crew.

Helitack stands for "helicopter-delivered fire resources,"and is the system of managing and utilizing choppers and their crews to assault wildfires as an first spear firefighting attack. Because of the manuevaribility of helicopters, Helitack teams can rappel into the heart of unruly blazes and use their vehicles broad accesibility to penetrate and control areas unreachable by ground crews.

The term helitack seems to have first appeared in a 1956 Los Angeles Times article, which described the "first of a series of tests—tabbed the Helitack Program—on the use of helicopters in firefighting will start next week in the San Bernardino National Forest."

All helitack teams use an incident Helibase to stage, plan, and supply their aerial operations. Generally, a helibase is in a field location that is proximate to the Incident Base Camp so that supplies and personnel can be ferried by ground to the helibase. Later, more distant helibases can be established closer to the blaze to maximize efficiency and reduce flight costs. Depending on the location of nearby structures, helibases are occasionaly located at a nearby airport or back country runway. The name of the base is designated by the name of the fire, though on large fires there can be more than one helibase.

Helitack bases are staffed with a Manager, Deck Coordinator, Flight Logistics Coordinator, Radio Specialist, and various Helibase support subordinates. An “H” in a circle designates the location of a helibase on an wildfire fire map.

The Santa Fe agency trained the crew in helicopter rappel, or helirappel, this year. On Friday, the eight-member crew practiced near Bandelier National Monument. “We’re one of the last forests to have a helirappel crew,” said Bob Skeen, who manages the helicenter three miles west of Bandelier’s entrance off N.M. 4.

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As mentioned, helitack crews are often first on the scene of a wildfire in hard-to-access country, such as mountainside forests, steep canyons and badlands. Usually a helicopter lands near the wildfire, letting out firefighters who hike in and begin clearing paths or building firelines to contain the fire until more ground crews arrive.

“There are places on this forest where the closest place to land would be an hour and a half away from the fire,” Skeen said. “It can grow a lot in that time.”

Rappelling is “a last resort,” Skeen said. “Rappelling is just another tool to deliver firefighters to places where helicopters can’t land.”

Helitack crews first appeared on the firefighting scene in the late 1950s. The Gila and Cibola national forests already had helirappel crews. Skeen, who’s been part of helitack crews since 1989, said Santa Fe National Forest has been trying to establish one since 2001.

The three women and five men on the Santa Fe National Forest crew first learned to rappel out of a 50-foot tower in Arizona. Then they had to complete a total of eight rappels out of the helicopter at progressively greater heights in open areas, dense forests and various other terrain.

Crew members must recertify every year by rappelling three times out of a helicopter.

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Skeen said the Santa Fe National Forest has several areas where helirappelling skills could prove useful. Santa Fe Municipal Watershed is one of those hard-to-access areas, where it is crucial to contain a wildfire quickly to prevent damage to a major source of the city’s water. “It’s one of those ‘values at risk’ areas, where you don’t want the fires to get too big,” he said.

Skeen said portions of Bland Canyon in the Jemez Mountains are “notorious for not having places to land.” The crew has cleared helicopter landing spots there, but they overgrow quickly with brush and vegetation.

Helitack crews are highly trained firefighters, but it remains a risky profession, like all firefighting. Accidents are rare, but devastating.

In 1987, a five-person helitack team was caught by a fast-moving wildfire in Northern California shortly after being dropped off by the helicopter, according to news reports. Four lived after crawling into their fire shelters. One died from exposure to smoke and flames.

In 2004, a 24-year-old helitack crew member, Eva Schicke, died after she was overrun by a fire near Yosemite National Park.

Could YOU be a smokejumper? Take the Quiz!

Read here about the life of a smokejumper!

Can YOU take the Heat?

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:04:00 -0700

On day number one we all have it beat into our heads that the primary killer of firefighters is heart attacks. But as probies, we feel that we're invincible, at least for a while. After all, we're young and tough, years away from having to worry about our health….

Or are we?

As young firefighters, our hearts may not be at risk yet, but that doesn't mean we don't have our own problems to worry about. Every firefighter, regardless of age, goes into fires wearing that thick bunker gear. Why do we wear that stuff? For one reason only, it is great at insulating us from heat. In other words, it doesn't let heat through. That's great when you're talking about being protected from 1000 degree flames, but it works both ways. When you work hard, your body generates heat, and if the radiant heat from a towering inferno can't get INTO your gear, do you think that measly little heat energy that you're putting off has any chance of getting OUT? Nope, we're basically cooking ourselves inside our own gear.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm certainly glad that we have those bulky turnouts. However, I know the raised risk for heat problems a little better than most probies, since I went down twice during recruit class with some mild heat exhaustion. Both times were during tough search drills: we go in, advancing a charged 1-3/4" line, searching for victims, and drag them out to safety. Both times I made it out of the building with a victim in tow, both times I nearly fainted shortly afterwards, and both times it was totally preventable. So take some advice from a guy who's made the boneheaded mistakes of taking ones health too lightly, and keep these 5 tips in mind so that you can keep your cool when someone's life depends on it.

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1) Learn to Love it.

Your body is an amazingly adaptable machine. It can become accustomed to pretty much anything if you give it enough time. Unfortunately, we live in a world of air conditioning. Your body has the ability to increase it's tolerance for hard work in high heat by a great margin, but the only way to do it is by actually working hard in high heat. By doing something frequently, your body will become more accustomed to it. You should be exercising already to maintain overall fitness, so take it out of the air conditioned gym and get into the summer heat. Do this only for as long as you are capable of, don’t kill yourself training and always respect your body's limits.

During the winter you can try working out in a sweatsuit or other full body covering. Hell, if you don't mind the neighbors seeing you, put on your bunker gear and do some household maintenance until you work up a good sweat. The point is— people usually succumb to heat stress when they're in situations that are significantly more extreme than they are used to. Push yourself outside your job, when it isn't an emergency, and you'll be ready to tackle the hard stuff with a smile when the pressure is on.

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2) Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate, and then drink some water.

This is the simplest and most effective way to keep yourself upright: drink more than you think you need, and then have another glass. Dehydration is much easier to prevent than it is to treat, and you have no excuse not to do it. First thing in the morning, drink a bottle of water. Have another glass as soon as you get to work, and another immediately afterwards. There's nothing complicated about this, but it is TOO EASY TO OVERLOOK. Both of my heat stress episodes in recruit class could probably have been prevented if I'd been hydrating all day before hand.

3) Take rehab seriously!

You can extend your working endurance significantly by doing what experts call "Active Cooling.” "Passive Cooling" is what we already do: we take most of our gear off and sit in the shade for a few minutes to recuperate before donning everything and going back in. "Active Cooling" is when you're doing something to actively lower your core temperature, like using an ice pack or some other cooling agent. What these researchers have found to be particularly effective and pragmatic for an active fire scene is this: set a large tub in the shade, and fill it with water from the firehose. When you're rehabbing, submerge your hands and forearms for a few minutes in the tank. This is a quick way to lower your body temperature, and it is an order of magnitude more effective than just doffing some gear. It could mean the difference between success and failure when you go back in for your next tactic.

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4) Stay Fit for Duty

An old standby: stay in shape. Basically, your aerobic fitness increases your endurance, which gives you more time before your body's natural cooling becomes ineffective. This goes hand in hand with tip 1; you MUST exercise. Don't count on firefighting to be your primary workout, there are too many overweight firefighters for that to be a legitimate approach. You don't have to join an expensive gym or anything, you just need to get outside and run. Stew Smith has some great articles on firelink if you need some ideas or variety.

5) Dress for the Occasion

Simply by replacing regular duty pants and shirts with shorts and a light cotton T-shirt for "under the gear" clothing, you’ll increase your endurance and resistance to heat stress by 10-15%. That's pretty good for not having to do anything special. Here's what I do: wear a pair of gym shorts under your pants, you'll be able to have your pants off in little more time than it takes to take off your shoes, and you'll be so much more comfortable in your bunker gear. Believe me, it's worth it. Don't get caught up in this one, though. The benefits of wearing shorts vs. pants are miniscule compared to being acclimated to high heat, being in superb shape, and being hydrated.

I plan on having a long career in the fire service, and I'll bet you do to. Don't shorten it by abusing your body. We've got to take care of ourselves first, if we don’t, we’ll never be able to take care of others.

Take Stew Smith’s Firefighter Fitness Quiz

Improve your training with FireLink’s 13-Step Firefighter Workout

Check out Stew Smith’s Rescue Work Guide

Want Probies to Learn? Just Yell at Them

Fri, 15 May 2009 11:46:00 -0700

If you're in the fire service, you're going to be yelled at from time to time. I don't care how tough and talented you are, I don't care if you were the student body president or you dated the homecoming queen. The simple truth is that you will be screamed at. I admit that I haven‚t met you, but I know that you have been, or will go through this. Why? Because these are 2 universal truths that exist in every last fire department in America.

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1) Universal truth number one, you're new. You will screw up. You just will. You will try as hard as you can to be on your game all the time, but you aren't perfect- you‚re probie. It might be something small like forgetting to put on your seat belt while riding on the apparatus or not trying to use the handle on a door before putting an axe through it in your excitement to get inside. Or, your error might be something as serious as getting too far ahead of your partner and separated inside a working structure fire. The reality is, eventually, you're going to make a boneheaded move sometime, somewhere, somehow

2) Universal truth number two: Because you work in crews, when you do screw up, your mistake will be noticed.

Now that we‚ve established that you are going to mess up, you may wonder why you should be yelled at for such a predestined occurrence? You may wonder, why yell and scream when instead, you could just pulled aside for a cordial talking to? Come on Chief- can't we just reason it out, you know, like guys?

Sorry kids, that stuff'‚s for Hogwarts- you‚re training to be a firefighter not a Harry Potter character. First of all, it's really loud out there. Either the sirens are running, the truck's pumping, or the radio is crackling, so to be heard you have to raise your voice. More importantly, firefighting is dangerous and time-sensitive (that's what makes it an emergency and not a barbeque.) If you make a mistake, it could get somebody hurt, and somebody may need to get your attention RIGHT NOW. They may see something you don't, or have experience that you don't have. The guys with you know that if they don't get things straightened out right now things could go south fast for you, for a brother, or for a patient. It's nothing personal, your brothers are looking out for you; they want to see everybody go home safe (including any victims involved) and- whether you like it or not- that takes priority over your feelings right now.

That being said, nobody likes being yelled at. It's embarrassing, because it means that you screwed up and everyone else knows it; plus it's damaging to your pride because you want to be good at what you do. Finally, it hurts your feelings because a more experienced firefighter is carving you up. I know this as well as any probie, because I've been shouted at about as much as anybody else who's new to the fire service. Yeah, it can be a little surprising when somebody whom you've hung out with at the station suddenly changes from Firefighter Jekyl to Batallion Chief Hyde.

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In the process, I've noticed that some people take this very real aspect of the fire service better than others. Some take it as motivation to get their head back in the game and to do better next time; others, unfortunately take it personally.

If you're a greenhorn, take some advice from a guy who's seen both camps: don't be in the second group. We have an opportunity for stronger and more rewarding relationships from our profession than most people will ever have in their jobs. It's just not possible to form the same kind of bonds pushing paper that you do when you struggle with others through life-threatening situations. On the other hand, great potential for good usually is balanced by great potential for evil. If you‚re given to the second, poison personality type, if you want to pose and posture, if you prefer to think too highly of yourself, if you love to hold grudges, you‚ll have an unparalleled chance to do that as well. We've all got a certain amount of latent pride dormant inside us. It's a tragedy when we let that get in the way, use that pride, don‚t let that pride use you. Ultimately, just don't be that guy.

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A far better approach is to just realize from the beginning that you're going to get some tough love, and to recognize it for exactly what it is- love. We probies and our veteran mentors have the same goals in mind: first to protect the lives and safety of everyone involved, and second to grow all of us into the best firefighters we can be for the good of the communities we protect. We just have to come to terms with it when we make mistakes, and resolve to do it right next time. After all my fellow firefighters, that's what firefighting is, learning- we just happen to have the world‚s hottest classroom.

Firefighters are Brothers, Not Friends

Ethan Vizitei — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:57:00 -0700

Firefighters are more than simple friends. Friends go out for pizza on Friday nights. Friends come over to watch the game on your television. “Friends” also have a tendency of disappearing when times get tough. You can't fight fires with friends. To fight fires you need the brotherhood.

Last week I asked my biological brother, a firefighter on the department I'm training with, about the burnout rate for probies. I was curious because my recruit class is just about to graduate and statistically, I know that about 20% of my class will not be active in the department next year. I wanted to know how I could avoid being in that 20%. I want to keep getting better after recruit class is over; I want to grow and develop within this department. How could I make sure that I’d still be here when next year rolls around?

His answer was short, it was eye opening, and it can be summed up in three words: "become a brother."

The first year at your new station will be tough physically and mentally, for sure. I'm positive that I'll be aching badly after my first multi-hour fire at 2:00 o’clock in the morning. I have no doubt that my first pediatric medical call will be an emotional struggle. Ultimately though, the hidden force that can shut you down more effectively than a weak body or devastating calls is ostracism, of being excluded from the tribe. The only way to make it as a firefighter is by becoming a brother.

How do you become a brother when you are just the new probie? Who wants another wide-eyed probie around?

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If you put in the face-time, meet all the firefighters at your station, take your position seriously, do the grunt-work during truck checks, and respect the experience of those who have been there longer than you, than you are effectively building up your own support structure. When you're struggling physically, this band of brothers will step up and bear the load with you. When you are emotionally overcome because of a child who perished in a blaze, these new brothers will talk you through it and give you the tools you need to pick yourself up and move on. As one of the crew, they'll always be helping you along to make you more competent, more ready.

They do this because they are you. They do this because they are your brothers. They do this because they too remember being the new guy.

But what if you choose not to be so much of a team player? What if you don't really feel the need to get to know everybody? What if you assume, “hey, we all have the same training right- what do I care who's on the truck with me?” What if you feel like you just finished a long haul during recruit class and you’ve earned a well-deserved break back at the station? After all, everybody needs a break right? What if you don't treat the senior members of your station with all the respect they've earned? What if you assume that you know just as much as anybody because you’ve got all the training you need? What if you think you're entitled to be just as high up in the pecking order as anyone else?

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Well buddy, if that's you – then you're in for a hard time. No one is going to let you get hurt, if they can avoid it, but they sure aren't going to care about helping you out either. Physical struggles? Man-up, son. Shocked over a tough call? No one's going to comfort you this time hotshot… I thought you had all the training you needed, wasn’t that what you were just saying?

If you don't integrate with the crew, you won’t become a part of the crew, you won’t have support, and you won’t have structure. If you don’t build your firehouse relationships then you're effectively burning your own bridges. If you don't work hard and earn your house's respect then you won’t have friends -- and you most certainly won’t have any brothers.

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We probies reap what we sow. Becoming a firefighter depends completely on our own efforts and attitude.
Be a loner, and you'll suffer alone. Be a brother, and we’ll grow together.

Giddyup Probies: Getting on the Gear

Ethan Vizitei — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:46:00 -0700

If you don’t have bunker gear you don’t have anything. That’s why, as a probie, being issued a set of bunker gear was the first step in equipping me with the tools that probies want and firefighters need. Before you can learn to handle a hose, force a door, or carry a victim, you have to be able to put on the right protective equipment. Although it isn't as exciting as doing tactical training, it's pretty cool to pull all those PPE components out and learn what they're for and how they're made. Then they tell you how long you're going to get to put it on: 60 seconds.

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There's not much that I'm able to do in under a minute. I can run out to pick up the mail, can do a set of 50 push-ups, I could probably even win a game of checkers if my opponent were the perfect combination of fast and foolish, but putting all that bulky gear on in that short amount of time seemed highly daunting. Now that I've been at it a few months, I can see that it's not only possible, but that 60 seconds is a pretty comfortable margin. From what I’ve seen, most people should be able to get their bunker gear donned in about 30 seconds flat. Nevertheless, to those who are as green as I was when I got my gear, the subject deserves some discussion.

Why is practice important?

Speed is critical because fire is fast, and because the apparatus does not leave the bay until everyone is aboard. If it takes you a full 2 minutes to get your gear on and get on the truck, then it doesn't matter how fast everybody else on your company got ready, that truck doesn't leave for a full 2 minutes after the tones dropped. I learned in my most recent lecture on fire-behavior that given adequate oxygen and fuel, fire doubles in size every 30 seconds. That's a pretty impressive figure. So since you took an extra 60 seconds to get your gear on, the fire is now 4 times the size it would have been on arrival if you had been faster. That can make a huge difference. Don't believe that it can really happen that fast? Then go check out the video of the Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island that occured on February 20th 2003. 5 1/2 minutes is all it took to go from ignition to a fully involved building. (Continued on the next pages)

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A caveat to this point is that accuracy in gear donning is every bit as important as speed. Your gear is designed to keep you pretty safe, but only if it's used properly. Your coat collar doesn't do you any good if it's left hanging open, the neckflap in your helmet won't keep embers off of you if it's rolled or mashed up into the helmet. You won't do any good to a victim if you become one yourself through negligence.

How can I improve?

So we agree that it's important to get your gear on fast; now, how do you get your donning time down to the absolute minimum you can manage. I'll share some tips here that have helped me get my time down to an average of 33 seconds (there are many who are faster than me), but ultimately the most important tip you can follow is the first one on my list:

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1) PRACTICE

You won't get better by sitting around and wishing you were faster at your gear drill. Go put it on right now. Again. No amount of tips or tricks will help you if you don't put in the effort yourself.

2) Muscle Memory

Your body can do things amazingly quickly if you don't let thinking get in the way. Think about touch typing on a computer keyboard (something I'm particularly familiar with) -- you don't sit there thinking "Ok, now I need to type an A, then a C, now where is that E", you just think the word, and your fingers know where the keys are because they've typed that word many times before. You need to make your muscles just KNOW how to do this so that you don't slow your body down by thinking about getting dressed. How does that happen? Patterns. Don your gear in the same way, everytime, with the same motions, and in the same order. That means when you doff your gear, you put things in the right place: for me, my gloves go in my left pants pocket, facing each other, left glove on the outside, and my hood is in my right pocket, rolled up with the tag facing in towards my body. I don't have to think about grabbing them next, it's just where they are, and my hands know what to do. Once you've got your pattern, repeat it until you're sick of it. Revisit tip one.

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3) Slow Down

This is a practice tip that I learned from a long career as a musician: if you can't do it slow, you can't do it fast. When I practice a piano piece, I slow it down to the point where I have ample time to think about good solid accuracy for each upcoming note and to make sure I'm making the most efficient movements possible, traveling the shortest distance between chords, using fingerings that allow me to keep any extra motion to a minimum. After practicing it this way a few times, I can speed it up again to full tilt, and my fingers are still reaping the benefits of those slow and careful repetition. The same thing held true for my gear. It may not help you, but if you're struggling It's sure worth a shot. Every day I did several slow repetitions at my house, thinking it through, seeing where I could minimize extra steps, and it really paid off.

4) Control your emotions

If you have a voice shouting "GO GO GO!" in your head and you start doing everything at twice the necessary strength, you're going to make mistakes and ultimately slow yourself down further. One time I was all-hyped-up trying to push myself to my speed limit and I yanked on my pants pocket so hard to get to my gloves that one of my gloves flew out of my pocket a good 15 feet away from me, which meant I had to go rummage for it before I could finish getting dressed. When your body knows what to do, you don't need to push it hard to get good speed. Calm focus is infinitely better than a panicked frenzy.

5) Multi-task

There are several little things you can do at the same time to improve your speed. For me, I shoulder my left suspender while using my right hand to close my pants, and I pull my coat collar closed with my right hand while picking up my helmet with my left, and then I tighten the chinstrap with my right hand while grabbing my gloves with the left. Anything you can train yourself to do simultaneously with another task will make you that much quicker.

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If you're a new guy like me, than that list above may or may not be helpful to you. If it is, great, if not, that's fine too, but it's still important to find some way to encourage yourself to get your gear drill-time down as low as possible. Every extra second we can cut out of our response time can make a difference and save a life, maybe even ours. Good luck, and stay safe! Ethan

Diving into the Fire: The Life of a Smokejumper

Kurt Kamm — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:46:00 -0700

SMOKEJUMPERS

Skydiving into a hot zone is sometimes the only way to access a remote area and fight a fire. It’s a dangerous job but someone has to do it before the fire spreads any further.

The people who do this are called smokejumpers. Equipped with a parachute and firefighting gear, they go in and try to control the fire until reinforcements arrive.

These smokejumpers use two types of parachutes. The Forest Service gives them the round parachute while the Bureau of land management uses the ram air type sports parachute. Aside from that, they wear heavy padded clothing because there is a strong possibility that they could land on a tree.

Smokejumpers are deployed in fixed wing aircraft because it can carry more men and equipment. Most units are stationed in places where wildfires ignite regularly like in Redding, California; Fairbanks, Alaska; Boise, Idaho; Winthrop, Washington and Redmond, Oregon.

The United States has the second largest number of smokejumpers in the world. Russia is number one with other countries like Canada having their own teams in place to handle a wildfire.

The history of smokejumpers in the US dates back to the 1930’s when someone thought of the idea of sending a group of firefighters to neutralize a threat. The first actual fire jump in history happened on July 12, 1940 and since then, other people have joined in.

Despite the seemingly dangerous nature of the job, fatalities from jumping are rare. The largest disaster involving smokejumper deaths on the job was the Mann Gulch fire blowup of 1949. Thirteen firefighters died during the blowup, twelve of them jumpers. This disaster directly led to the establishment of modern safety standards used by all wildland firefighters.

Through the years, the number of smokejumpers who were killed in active duty has been very low. The biggest one day fatality was in 1949 when out of 13 firefighters lost that day, 12 of them were smokejumpers.

Such an incident prompted the government to modernize the safety standards and fortunately, this has not happened again.

Before smokejumpers are deployed, the situation is analyzed to see if it is safe for firefighters to move in or not. If the decision is to deploy them, the smokejumpers put on their gear and head to the runway so they can be airborne in a few minutes and deployed over the area.

Smokejumpers may not get the same recognition as firefighters because they work in remote areas. But if you think about what they do, saves acres of forest land. Sometimes, these brush fires get too close to residential areas and the only way to stop it is if they use explosives to try and contain the fire.

The US currently has 270 smokejumpers all across the country. To keep these individuals prepared, they undergo refresher training which includes aircraft exiting procedures, emergency procedures, parachute landing rolls, parachute maneuvering, parachute and cargo retrieval, timber let-down procedures and tree climbing.

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In some of the bases all across the country, they now use virtual reality simulators to train the smokejumpers.

This just goes to show that skydiving is not only an extreme sport or only used by military for incursions. We can also use this to fight fires that can ignite at any time. We just have to rapidly deploy the necessary manpower to handle the situation.

Written by Bobbie McKee