Fire fighters practice forcible entry skills

Submitted by James P. Wilson, Chief, Wahkiakum Fire Protection District No. 4

Over the past weekend, firefighters from departments and districts from as far north as North Kitsap Fire, and as far south as Tualatin, Ore., gathered at the Main Station of Wahkiakum Fire District No. 4 to hone their forcible entry skills.

"This course is designed to help firefighters develop the skills and habits necessary to master the craft of conventional forcible entry using some of our most important tools of the trade," said instructor Cody Trestail from Brothers in Battle, a company comprised of Portland and Vancouver professional Firefighters.

Upon completion of this course "Basic Irons," firefighters will be able to dress and set up their tools for success, perform a rapid size up and identify multiple forcible entry challenges, account for door control, effectively use commands to enhance communication, develop safe striking techniques, and perform the appropriate standardized techniques while working alone or as part of a team.

Wahkiakum District 4 participants included Captains Mike Wright and Mike Johnson, Lt. Randy Hoven and Firefighter Bob Hake.

Other departments included the City of Astoria, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and Cowlitz Fire District No. 1, the Cities of Tukwila, Lacey, Renton, Gig Harbor and Kennewick.