Fire safety became personal this week as students gathered for a unique hands-on session of Intro to Firefighting, blending practical skills with life-saving knowledge – and, of course, a few laughs along the way.
Under the expert guidance of Fire Captain Scott Ingolf, the class took place at the Clinic/Fire Station, where students arrived with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. By the end of the session, they left equipped with essential fire safety skills, from tackling grease fires to identifying the dangerous backdraft scenarios.
The class kicked off with an engaging Q&A session where students asked about the differences between firefighting in the U.S. and the U.K. “The techniques are the same, but the measurements change,” Ingolf explained, sharing his expertise on the differences between PSI and bars. But one thing remains universal: the nature of fires is the same, no matter where you are in the world.
When the topic of backdrafts came up – those life-threatening explosions that occur when oxygen hits long-smoldering smoke – students listened intently. “Think of it like a fire holding its breath,” Ingolf said, demonstrating how to spot signs of a potential backdraft. Students were taught to feel for heat on the door and look for “breathing” smoke pushing out and then being sucked back in around the door frame. Ingolf also shared a crucial safety tip: sleeping with your doors shut at night can make all the difference in a life-or-death situation.
A highlight of the class was a discussion on cooking with grease – and, more importantly, how to handle a grease fire. “Never use water!” Captain Ingolf stressed. Instead, he recommended smothering the flames, using a powder fire extinguisher or even better, an ABC extinguisher (which he highly recommends keeping in every kitchen).
The grand finale? A real-life simulation. Fire Captain Ingolf had students line up to fight controlled fires (don’t worry, he was standing by with the hose the entire time). Under his watchful eye, each student took turns using the ABC fire extinguishers to put out the flames – fortunately, no eyebrows were harmed in the process.
What’s next for this hands-on class? Fire Captain Ingolf promises even more opportunities for training, including a new location once it’s ready. Plus, he’s helping students build enough knowledge to apply for the WCFD or similar services. But even if you’re not planning to join the firefighting profession, this class will provide invaluable life skills and the confidence to handle fire emergencies.
Want to be part of the next session? Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 8th at 12 PM SLT – you won’t want to miss it!