ESQUIMALT, BC—While many students are enjoying a well-deserved spring break, nine Esquimalt students are rising to the challenge of learning the ropes of firefighting. Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) is hosting its third annual Youth Fire Academy this week, running from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
These nine young adults, ranging from grades 11 and 12, will participate in an intensive firefighter boot camp, learning the same skills taught to recruit firefighters. The students will be immersed in hands-on training, gaining valuable experience in areas such as hose and nozzle techniques, search and rescue operations, auto-extrication and CPR.
“The Youth Fire Academy is designed to be both challenging and inspiring,” said Fire Chief Matt Furlot. “Over the course of the week, these students will undergo the same rigorous training that our recruit firefighters experience. They’ll learn critical skills in areas such as search and rescue, auto-extrication, and fire suppression techniques—skills that could save lives. We want them to leave with a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a first responder, as well as a greater appreciation for community safety.”
The program also aims to spark an interest in emergency services careers and provide these students with an opportunity to experience the unique challenges and rewards of the profession. Throughout the week, they will wear full firefighter safety gear, ride fire trucks, and train at various locations around Esquimalt, including the fire training building where they will engage in simulated structure fires.
“My hope is that by the end of the week, these students will not only have gained life-saving skills such as CPR but also recognize the incredible impact they can have in their community,” said Fire Chief Furlot. “If this experience resonates with them, I want them to know that a career in the fire service is one of the most rewarding ways to serve others.”
At the end of the week, these students will leave with new life-saving skills and a greater appreciation for the critical work that first responders do every day.
For more information about Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services and the Youth Fire Academy, please contact Fire Chief Furlot at 250-414-7125.
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Media contact
Tara Zajac, Manager of Communications
250-414-7122
