A Saanich fire platoon brushed up on their confined spaces response today at UVic.
The 20 firefighters were trained on how to respond to a call in a space with only one entry or exit point, such as a manhole recovery, said platoon captain Dale Peebles.
“We need to practice for our own proficiency,” Peebles said. “It’s like everything, if you don’t use something, you will lose your skills or proficiency and competency with those skills. That’s why our training division schedule these training events throughout the year for us to do, to gain proficiency and knowledge.”
Peebles said the first training session wrapped up at noon, and another will begin in the afternoon when it cools down.
Deputy fire chief Dan Wood said they while training, they kept the heat in mind, but that’s something they always do.
“There needs to be extra precautions, which include keeping people hydrated and watching for signs of heat stress,” Wood said. “Saanich Fire is always here and working, even when we’re out in the heat. We’re taking precautions for heat stress in our fire fighters.”