Week #2 for Recruit Class 2016-1
Recruit Class 16-1 just completed week #2 of the Academy. In week 2, the recruits were taught about the important connection between building construction and fire behavior/chemistry, especially how both play a role in fire development and the rate of fire spread. The class also learned about the Incident Command System (ICS) and Fire Department communications. Another module focused on how to search for victims in a structure as well as how to search for a downed Firefighter as a member of a RIC (Rapid Intervention Crew). One other class of note focused on the use of a Carlin Valve, which is a mechanical device that attaches to a fire hydrant and allows the Firefighter to open up the hydrant and then respond to the fire without having to stay at the hydrant. Guest speakers also provided recruits with other valuable information:
The Fire Marshal taught a class on fire prevention
A PG&E representative provided information on the hazards associated with natural gas and electrical emergencies and how to safely mitigate these types of incidents
Throughout the week, the recruits were given daily quizzes to reinforce what they have learned thus far and continued to train with self-contained breathing apparatus equipment as well as their personal protective equipment.
