By Forest Reeder
Fire extinguishers are probably the most basic piece of firefighting equipment available. Sometimes overlooked for their effectiveness, firefighters must be aware of the capabilities and limitations of each type of extinguisher, agent and how to use all types of portable extinguishers.
Care, maintenance, and inspection of apparatus as well as mounted units should be reviewed as part of this week’s drill. Discuss the types of fires (related to size of fire, type of incident) that you would use a portable extinguisher on. Consider new extinguisher types that are available, such as a Class K extinguisher, when completing this training.
Download this week’s firefighter training drill as a PDF HERE.
Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1979. He currently serves as Battalion Chief / Director of Training & Safety with the Pleasantview (IL) Fire Protection District (www.plvw.org) and is the Director of Training for Southwest United Fire Districts (www.sufd.org). In these capacities, he is responsible for the design, implementation and coordination of in-service training activities as well as a full-service fire training academy program. Forest holds numerous Illinois fire service certifications and holds a Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University.
