April 30, 2007

The Pack Test

Okay for those of you who think you understand how hard it is to be a firefighter, check this out. The U.S. Forest Service makes their employees take a "pack test" (a 45lb. vest that you wear to walk 3mi in 45min). If you pass this test, then you are fit to be a firefighter. I'm sure every agency has their own agility type test, but this is what my husband & his crew do each year. This little test would flat out disqualify me from the job, because I'd be dead about 1/2 mile in 30 minutes!! How insane is this test......of course how sane are they because they run into fires that most would run away from.
The seasonal FF have to endure this agility test, then 40 hours of classroom and on-the-job training before being "fire ready" for assignments. What kind of subjects do they teach in FF trainings, I wonder? Well, at dinner tonight, my husband was explaining something about N.I.M.S and I.C.S. Hmmmm. sounds interesting although I don't understand most of it. I still find it fascinating to listen to my husband talk about this stuff.
Yesterday was the 1st official day on duty for the "temporary-seasonal" firefighters here in Region 5. Today they sent off a strike team (10 engines) to Kernville for a large fire. Temps have averaged in the 80s and it is very dry. I have a feeling, like most WWFF get, that this fire season will be a very busy one.


Well, I'm waiting for your stories to post, email me at : wffwives@cox.net

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