Midterms

Today I completed my mid-term exam for Fire I; and my first live structural burn exercise.  I’m sore, I smell like fire, and my turnout gear (and car) reeks of fire. I’m also really happy. I’m at the halfway point to fire school. The next 2 months will bring classes on fireground ops and more live burn exercises.

I’m really glad that I decided to take Fire I, and take it in the spring. Things I've realized: I’m not in the shape I need to be in to be able to do this 100%, and I’m working on fixing that (more on that later). On the plus side: I’m not claustrophobic, I’m not afraid of the dark, and I’m not afraid of a little heat. I can throw ladders, I can roll hose, and I’m keeping pace with the class.

I did make one mistake this morning. When backing up my partner for a hoseline attack, I wasn't in a good position, and wasn't able to take enough pressure off the hose for him. He lost his balance and fell over. Afterwards, we got a chuckle out of it – but the more I think of it, I let him down, and I won’t make that mistake again.

Next week we're on break. The week after, we get to do ropes and knots (Boy Scout time!).

Anyway – That’s an update from school. More to come!