What is it like inside a burning house? Get a look at Paso Robles firefighters’ training
On a hilltop east of Paso Robles, an unlucky house is burning, again.
Dozens fires have been started and put out over the last few weeks.
It is the last step in a program of training exercises that give firefighters real world practice working in teams and hands-on experience with equipment.
“Adrenaline is a good thing, but sometimes it gives you that tunnel vision,” Paso Robles city Battalion Chief Brian Lewis said. “And what we try to teach our guys is to take a deep breath and see the big picture of what they are trying to accomplish, and all the things going in, and then slowly start focusing on what their objectives are.”
Cutting through a metal garage door with a grinding circular saw, starting a balky chainsaw, attacking flames from above and below were all part of Monday’s exercise.
“It’s really a choreographed dance,” said Lewis..
A team climbs the ladder to the roof and chain-saws a hole to ventilate the structure, while pounding on the roof to test if it is safe to stand on.
A team inside drags a hose line in to extinguish the fire.
All while wearing heavy fire safety gear and breathing equipment.
About 20 different agencies were working at the house two weeks ago, Lewis said, “The reason is … to get everybody on the same page.”
A recent exercise included three new recruits to the Paso Robles Fire Department.
After the last fire is lit and extinguished, the 1980s-era ranch-style home will be torn down to make way for a new development.
