Ashland, Ore — Fire season is upon us and local agencies are getting some hands on practice defending homes.
Bump and run, structural triage, communications protocols, these are all terms firefighters use in the line of duty, and for homeowners these terms could be the difference between a happy home and tragedy.
Fully equipped, crews from the Ashland Fire Department and Jackson County Fire District Five put their skills to the test.
“We want to train the same way we work, practice the way you play,” said Margueritte Hickman with Ashland Fire & Rescue.
Crews were bouncing from home to home in the hills of Ashland, practicing how they would defend this area from a potential wild fire.
“I have no problem with them, being familiar with my house, and knowing how to handle it and being ready,” said Allan Resnick.
Resnick and his neighbors provided fire fighters the setting they need to practice defense strategies like the ‘bump and run’.
“You can quickly apply some structural fire protection with the hose and quickly wrap it up and leave and it’s really a technique that’s used when you’ve got imminent fire coming in,” said Hickman.
The exercise also provides the different agencies a chance to work on their communication skills in a high stress environment.
“Out in the field together, we work together, we communicate together, make sure that we’re following the protocols so that we all can figure out how to make it work out in the field,” said Hickman.
The process, gives homeowners like Resnick, peace of mind.
“I enthusiastically support them being ready to do what’s necessary if it does occur,” said Resnick.
It also reassures Resnick that his home and his neighbors are that much safer should a fire reach their doorstep.
Firefighters say the first step to preventing a fire starts with maintaining your property.
That’s why Ashland Fire said they are happy that their weed abatement program is at 88% compliance.
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