Local firefighters secure hazmat training

The second training installment for hazmat awareness operations took place last week at the Plains-Paradise Rural fire house.

Firefighters and emergency services once again converged to update their knowledge should Plains and its surrounding ever see a hazmat incident.

Tom Ziegler took the reins of the training and went through a number of different scenarios for those present to understand the risk factors involved in identifying such an incident.

What also took place on the night were group exercises which ensuring participants came out recognition identified.

On the second and final night of training exercise identification group activities saw the 18 participants break off into groups of around four to search for fake pipe bombs or booby traps (set in a simulated environment) that are now a general standard if they were to be called to a structure fire that also boasted as a meth lab.

Ziegler explained to the group that though it may not be thought of as a hazmat incident ideally; but the components used such as chemicals and traps can turn a standard structure call out into a hazmat incident.

Ziegler was also able to provide video footage of a number of possible incidents which have been used in further hazmat training videos ensuring that the group was fully aware of all dangers possible and able to identify quickly and safely.

One video he showed was that of a train derailment in 1996 that occurred in Ablerton that Ziegler attended.

As close as possible to a real scenario that could be seen here near Plains. He went through the particulars of how you want to approach such an incident and spoke with the class on how you can be safe while still identifying the hazard.

He also went into the importance of specialized equipment. Though because of the current budget cuts, as previously reported by the Clark Fork Valley Press, he was unable to show what equipment looks like and how it operates.

However he was able to identify the equipment through sound and explain its function via the video.

Next groups got together to learn how to properly identify trucks, trailers and train carriages from photos with hazardous signs attached.

This entailed participants to correctly identify the hazardous material using a specialized identification book that all emergency responders carry.

The exercise also went to the extent of breaking down the important information required including firefighter notes, first aid, what equipment if any should be used to subdue the hazardous substances on a scene.

With another four hours completed local firefighters are now at a level of training where they are able to identify a hazmat situation effectively and be able to evacuate people to a safe distance while awaiting a specialized team to get to the scene.

Participants who completed the full eight-hour training block were also presented with a certificate of completion for hazmat awareness and operations.