Being a firefighter isn't just about running into burning buildings and saving people's lives.
Port Moody Fire Chief Remo Faedo said the majority of firefighters' time is spent training, which is why the department was grateful that the Ministry of Transportation has allowed emergency officials to practise in a vacant building set to be demolished to make way for the Evergreen Line.
For the last few months, crews have been conducting drills at 2710 Clarke St., allowing them to work on everything from being in a confined space with limited visibility to simulated rescues of firefighters who have fallen through a floor.
"Training is very important in our business," Faedo said. "Port Moody is small. We don't get a lot of calls but we have to maintain our skills."
Usually, Port Moody's firefighters have to travel to the Justice Institute in New Westminster or Maple Ridge, which has a live burn building.
But with a new live-fire exercise facility in Port Coquitlam, Faedo said his crews are looking forward to having another training ground closer to home.
For David Friesen, Port Moody's training officer, the Clarke Street facility has given the department's crews an opportunity to gain more experience, particularly in techniques related to rescuing firefighters who have become trapped in structures.
With the training building, Friesen is able to conduct simulated rescues of a firefighter who has fallen through the floor. To carry out the drill, he has cut a hole from the first to the second level, giving firefighters an opportunity to practise using a hose to rappel to their fallen colleagues and pull them to safety.
"The use of this training facility is incredible," he said. "The more practice we have, the more times we do it, the better we become."
As Evergreen Line construction moves along, Friesen said there may be opportunities for firefighters to use other vacant buildings in the area for training purposes.
SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY PREP COURSES IN POCO
Port Coquitlam residents and others looking to learn more about what to do during a major disaster are being offered free emergency preparedness courses this fall.
If an earthquake, flood or severe storm hit the Lower Mainland, the city believes that services could be unavailable for at least 72 hours. The emergency preparedness training course gives residents the opportunity to learn what they can do to fend for themselves in the days following a serious disaster.
Lessons cover personal preparedness, basic fire suppression, rapid damage assessment and light urban search and rescue.
Registration is being accepted for free courses on Sept. 22 and Nov. 24. The lessons will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at No. 1 Fire Hall (1725 Broadway St.).
Participants must be over the age of 16 and priority will be given to residents of Port Coquitlam. Refreshments will be provided and comfortable clothing is recommended.
For more information about the courses, go to www.portcoquitlam.ca/ep or call 604-927-5466.
