Wild Land Fire Training

The view from 80 feet up

One of the things I have loved about working with the Fire Department is that it has given me many new experiences. Saturday was my very first wild land Burn to Learn. My job was primarily to document. the event. That meant that I went up on the aerial ladder.

It was an incredible experience. My heart was pounding as I clipped myself into the safety belt and climbed the ladder to the basket. as the arm extended up and up and up the world spread out below us.

For the next hour I took photos of the the crews setting fires. Then the chief decided it was time for me to learn how to operate the aerial ladder. So with fear and trembling I put my foot on the pressure plate and began the process of learning how to operate the arm without jerking us all over creation. I felt better once I learned that the basket had a self leveler and I was not getting ready to dump us out on our heads.

It was with great exhilaration that I climbed backed down the ladder and jumped off the truck. Where else would you have the opportunity to experience everything I had a chance to today? I am so very thankful for the the doors God has opened for me here.

I can hardly wait to find out what is next .....

Learning to use the emergency shelter

Getting put back together after shelter training

Just Connie