Well the Academy has decided to keep me around for awhile. I seem to be doing well enough on the tests and on the fire ground to stay. Below are a few more pictures of the things we have been up to the last few weeks.
Oops, that was a kickball session during a study break in the shadow of Mt Si.
On to chainsaw appreciation day. We cut simulated roof vent holes with a saw and then had to do it with an axe. The trick: use the blunt end (45 seconds for a 4x8 OSB, not bad.) Then of course there is dancing in front of instructors. (It wasn't me, really.)
Low visibility day was a task. The "Lab" was filled with smoke to within inches of the floor to simulate a real fire scenario. It was hot and really hard to see, much like a real fire, cool. (The water on the floor next to the fire was boiling.) When I was in the "lab" taking the low visibility picture below I actually watched another recruit spray water on the ceiling (A technique to cool the overhead gasses.) with no water bouncing off back to the floor. 100% conversion of the water to steam!! (See note at the top of the post.) Nothing dripped to the floor! It was cool, then very VERY HOT! Oops, did I forget to check for conversion space? Why, yes, yes you did. We skedaddled out the door on our hands and knees most expediently! Later on that day after resetting the prop a hose actually burst (failed at a weak spot) and gave one recruit a full shoulder steam burn, much like a bad sunburn.
During ladder rescue day Kyle, another Edmonds FF, was my rescue firefighter and I was the victim, then the tables were turned.
Then we spent a day outside with car liquid fuel fires, apparently this prop was having a bad day.
All in all I am well, although daily I am continually pushed to my physical limit and loving the challenge.
Please continue the emails and prayers, and of course contacting Cheryl with support. Seven weeks down and five to go!
Tony
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